New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio on Tuesday encouraged his constituents not to eat at a new Chick-fil-A restaurant opening in the city, citing the company’s pro-traditional marriage views.
“What the ownership of Chick-fil-A has said is wrong,” Mr. de Blasio said at a press conference, as reported by DNA Info.
“I’m certainly not going to patronize them, and I wouldn’t urge any other New Yorker to patronize them,” he said, adding that “they do have a legal right.”
Mr. de Blasio’s comments came after city Councilman Danny Dromm started a boycott for a new Chick-fil-A location opening in Queens.
“Chick-fil-A is anti-LGBT,” Mr. Dromm said in a statement.
“This group imparts a strong anti-LGBT message by forcing their employees and volunteers to adhere to a policy that prohibits same-sex love,” he said. “It is outrageous that Chick-fil-A is quietly spreading its message of hate by funding these types of organizations.”
Chick-fil-A said in a statement it was excited to serve “existing and new customers great food with remarkable service” at the new location.
“We look forward to opening our first restaurant in Queens and serving all of our customers delicious food in an environment of genuine hospitality,” a spokeswoman said.
Chick-fil-A CEO Dan T. Cathy in 2012 said his company supported “the biblical definition of the family unit,” drawing outrage from pro-LGBT groups.
• Bradford Richardson can be reached at brichardson@washingtontimes.com.
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