The US fast-food chain has announced plans to open in the UK and we’re horrified!
Chick-fil-A has a long and troubling history of funding organisations that actively oppose LGBT+ rights, including the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Focus on the Family, and the National Christian Charitable Foundation—groups that have lobbied against the Equality Act and supported discriminatory policies. There have also been multiple reports of discrimination against LGBT+ employees and customers, raising serious concerns about the company’s internal culture.
In 2019, Chick-fil-A claimed it would no longer donate to such organisations, yet its president, Tim Tassopoulos, later stated that “no organisation will be excluded from future consideration.” Reports indicate that the company’s profits still support efforts opposing federal protections for LGBT+ people. Furthermore, former CEO Dan Cathy has personally funded campaigns against marriage equality and anti-discrimination laws.
When Chick-fil-A opened in Reading in 2019, it closed after just six months following widespread protests from LGBT+ rights activists. The UK values equality, and British consumers expect businesses to uphold non-discriminatory practices and promote inclusion. Any company with a history of funding anti-LGBT+ initiatives will face scrutiny and opposition from customers, policymakers, and advocacy groups.
Despite multiple requests, Chick-fil-A has refused to directly answer key questions about its current policies:
- Has Chick-fil-A completely ended donations to organisations that oppose LGBT+ rights?
- Will Chick-fil-A give assurances that it will not in future donate to anti-LGBT+ individuals, organisations and campaigns?
- Does Chick-fil-A provide full workplace protections for LGBT+ employees, including safeguarding against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity?
- Has Chick-fil-A implemented policies or training to foster an inclusive workplace, given past discrimination complaints?
- Can Chick-fil-A confirm that its corporate profits no longer fund organisations lobbying against LGBT+ equality, such as the National Christian Charitable Foundation?
- What steps, if any, is Chick-fil-A taking to demonstrate its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion for LGBT+ employees and customers?
We have called on Chick-fil-A and their UK PR firm, Lexington to denounce their past and guarantee that it’s homophobic past is in the past. Despite repeated requests from the Peter Tatchell Foundation, the company has otherwise refused to engage, with Lexington failing to provide clear answers.
We believe transparency and accountability are essential when considering whether Chick-fil-A should be allowed to operate in the UK.