Activists Hold “Same-Sex Kiss Day” at Pompano Chick-fil-A

Same-sex marriage activists held demonstration at South Florida fast food chain

South Florida gay rights activists headed to local Chick-fil-A restaurants Friday for a "National Same-Sex Kiss Day" to protest the chicken chain's owner's comments against same-sex marriage.

Activists gathered at the fast food restaurant at 2250 North Federal Highway in Pompano Beach at 7 p.m. in conjunction with other protests across the country.

Dozens of South Floridians carried signs and urged marriage equality at the kiss-in, and some of them made their point with kisses.

The event was held outside the restaurant and did not disrupt business.

It was in response to Chick-fil-A President Dan Cathy’s remarks last month to the Baptist Press that his company supports “the biblical definition of the family unit.”

"It's repugnant to me in this day and age that a CEO of a corporation would come out and make that kind of a public statement," Lynn Corning said.

Michael Rajner, a local gay rights activist and one of the organizers of the Pompano protest, said it would be a peaceful demonstration.

"We're really standing up to the hateful rhetoric that were hearing out there," Rajner told NBC 6. "We're not there to disrespect or attack or confront any employees of the restaurant."

A number of Chick-fil-A supporters also showed up in Pompano Beach to voice their opinion.

"I don't care if you’re gay or not, I just believe that you should not force your beliefs on other people, and I believe in freedom of speech," Charlene Bye said.

John Stevens, who had his arm around Bye, said, ""Don't push it down my throat. Really. It's getting ridiculous."

The kiss-in protest came two days after the Georgia-based privately held chain announced a “record-setting” "Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day," ushered in by former Arkansas governor and ex-Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee.

Steve Robinson, Chick-fil-A executive vice president of marketing, told NBC News the chain had a “record-setting day,” but declined to offer sales figures.

Cathy’s remarks, and past support for anti-gay marriage initiatives have stirred controversy among the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered community and its allies.

"He is obviously a very ignorant man who doesn't model the teachings of Christ," Rajner said.

Contact Us