Today in Gay History: Chick-fil-A Controversy

After Thomas Menino, the Mayor of Boston, stated that he would not allow the company to open franchises in the city "unless they open up their policies." Then in Chicago, alderman Proco "Joe" Moreno announced his determination to block Chick-fil-A's bid to build a second store in the city: "They'd have to do a complete 180", Moreno said in outlining conditions under which he would retract the block. "They'd have to work with LGBT groups in terms of hiring, and there would have to be a public apology from [Cathy]."

Moreno received backing from Rahm Emanuel, Chicago's Mayor, who stated: "Chick-fil-A values are not Chicago values." Then one year ago, on July 26, San Francisco soon followed suit when Mayor Edwin M. Lee tweeted: "Very disappointed #ChickFilA doesn't share San Francisco's values & strong commitment to equality for everyone." Lee followed that tweet with "Closest #ChickFilA to San Francisco is 40 miles away & I strongly recommend that they not try to come any closer."

More responses followed, including Chaz the Intolerant Chicken on Conan.