San Antonio International Airport is the latest in the string of several businesses to ban Chick-fil-A from its premises based on the assumption that the Atlanta-based chain has a “legacy of anti-LGBTQ behavior.”
The restaurant was brought up for consideration due to its healthy options and widespread popularity.
However, administrators of the San Antonio City Council rejected the potential placement of the fast-food chain in the airport on Thursday, alleging that Chick-fil-A is hostile toward the LGBTQ community.
The City Council was concerned that building a Chick-fil-A in the airport would make certain travelers feel “unwelcome.”
“With this decision, the City Council reaffirmed the work our city has done to become a champion of equality and inclusion,” said City Councilman Robert Treviño. “San Antonio is a city full of compassion, and we do not have room in our public facilities for a business with a legacy of anti-LGBTQ behavior.”
“Everyone has a place here and everyone should feel welcome when they walk through our airport,” he added.
The controversy surrounding Chick-fil-A’s stance on homosexuality traces back to 2012 when CEO Dan Cathy expressed his traditional Christian view on marriage, that the lifelong union is to be between man and woman.
But contrary to the perception of a very loud minority, Chick-fil-A is actually inclusive and tolerant of people from all walks of life, regardless of sexual orientation. Despite their traditional values, they still aim to treat everyone with respect and kindness, as Jesus did.
In response to the council’s disappointing decision, a Chick-fil-A spokesperson cited a portion of the organization’s code of conduct, which advocates tolerance: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
The company value, of course, stems from the Bible verse found in Luke 6:31.
“The 140,000 people who serve customers in our restaurants on a daily basis represent and embrace all people, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender identity,” the spokesperson continued. “Our intent is to have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A.”
The Chick-fil-A representative added that the restaurant would like to engage in “thoughtful dialogue” with the San Antonio City Council about the issue, in hopes of coming to an understanding.
“It’s unfortunate that mischaracterizations of our brand have led to decisions like this,” said the rep. “The sole focus of the Chick-fil-A Foundation is to support causes focused on youth and education. We are proud of the positive impact we are making in communities across America and have been transparent about our giving on our web site.”
The San Antonio City Council’s decision comes just weeks after Rider University in New Jersey banned Chick-fil-A from its campus based on similar grounds.
The restaurant sincerely hopes to clear up the misconception that they are hostile toward the LGBTQ community by making the true heart of their organization known through both word and action.