Simply being against gay marriage is not hateful (although some who are ARE hateful) - it's an opinion about a contract between two people and what defines those details. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and liberals often forget that. Until just recently, even president Obama was not a supporter of gay marriage, but like many, he was a huge supporter of gay rights. There is a difference, and when I Democrat holds that stance, they are respected. When it's a conservative, they are taken to task brutally.

There are so many companies out there that have shady back-stories. I guarantee if you knew everything about everywhere you shopped, you would end up boycotting everything. To call a company out for being "bigots" when they hold a very common biblical-based stance is wrong. If the company came out and said "we won't serve homosexuals" than I would say (and join) 'BOYCOTT'. But when an individual is asked and they answer honestly and respectfully, it should not ignite a firestorm. But that's our media these days.

It's not the "Company's" stance on gay marriage; it's the personal opinion of the CEO. It is not the position of everyone who works in the organization nor do they discriminate on that basis.

I am sure that if you surveyed 100 CEO's of major corporations, you would find all kinds of personal opinions that some may not agree with it.

Although everyone is entitled to their point of view, as a lesbian, I cannot support any business, that, actively, seeks to discriminate against my community or ANY other individual(s). I DID eat at Chick-Fil-A, until a straight friend told me about their stand, back in January. I refuse to have a single penny of my money, go to a business that seeks to do harm, to ANYONE.

The food is terrible....and I do not support their business based on their discriminitory view.. However, I do support their right to be in business and to express their views in a free speech society.

Yum! Leave politics out of this, let the people decide.

Hell no, we don't need deep fried food.

Perhaps we could show a little tolerance to other people's views, even when we disagree with them (which I do). Perhaps Mayor Mumbles should boycott his Catholic Church, which has similar doctrine. Make no mistake, Mumbles was just doing some political pandering.

really if its good and i am hungry I will get one . his opion is protected under our constution . It goes both ways.

Nope, keeping it simple.

what i see here is the loss of freedom of choice . no one said that everybody has to eat at chix fil a if you dont like them dont eat there but you dont have to ban the store from people that do . sell great food at a fair price

I support the right of anyone to marry whomever they want. Life is way too short for me to worry about who someone falls in love with. That said, I support the right of a company exec to speak his mind. I think that Menino is an idiot for getting involved in this! He is doing it purely for political reasons. Why is he speaking out now, against Chic Fil-A (sp?)? Will he come out with a similar diatribe against the Catholic church? They own a lot more property in Boston than any restaurant chain. They are also a lot more vocal in their opposition to same sex marriage. If the mayor were _really_ concerned, he would include others in his rants. The real issue is that Menino is doing this strictly because Chic is an easy target, without the ability to fight back effectively.

It appears that the Mayor has plenty of room for crime in the City, but not a chicken joint. What's he thinking of?

This is America where we have the freedom to believe what we want to. Why is it that if you disagree with homosexuality, you're a bigot? The gay community is asking everyone to respect them but they don't respect people who disagree with the lifestyle. Respect goes both ways. This isn't nazi Germany where everyone MUST think the same way or else.

I'm not commenting on the lifestyle, I don't care but don't try to "force" people to agree with you if they don't. You are not a bigot for following your beliefs. In a time were everyone is politically correct, I applaud a company that follows their values. Too many people say one thing publicly but believe the opposite.

I wouldn't support a company if I disagreed with their company policy. However, it is rare that I know all about a company and their employee policies unless it is made public and I read about it. This has gotten a lot of press, so I know about it. Thus, I would not make a purchase at their restaurant, no.

The CEO of Chick-fil-A expressed an opinion (he believes that marriage should be between a man and a woman). Shouldn't he be allowed to express his opinion? Are we allowed to speak without consequence only if our opinion is the popular one? If someone takes hateful, hurtful or illegal action because of his opinion, that is a different story. If someone insists that his viewpoint is the only right one, and then tries to intimidate others who do not agree, that is a different story. But there has never been a report of Chick-fil-A doing any of that. For Mayor Menino to ban a company from doing business in Boston because they expressed a belief - albeit an unpopular one - THAT strikes me as intolerant. I'm very concerned when a leader decides that he alone will dictate which ideologies will be allowed into the city.

Remember - this is a private company. The CEO can make any comment he wants and has to deal with the outcome - lack of revenue. But put it in perspective, As Americans we have a constitutional right to speak out. While it is not always advised, it is, indeed our right. And that is why I LOVE being an American. However, If this person worked for a publicly traded company, he would be fired - not for what he said, but for loss of revenue from what he said. The question was, "would I eat there?" to that my answer is - I try not to eat fast food. But if I had to eat it, I may choose an alternative restaurant who's opinions are held to themselves .
I understand that Bill Marriott - CEO of the Marriott Hotel and Resort Brand gives equally to both political parties and does not enforce his own political or cultural opinions on any in his organization. He knows that either Party could step in at any time and it is in his and his employees best interest to be ready to work with either. It's good to have convictions, but it is not always good to share them. If you are inclined to do so loudly, you must face whatever the outcome, and unfortunately, so must your employees and the people who support you.

I love Chik fil a sandwiches and I wish there was one around here. The views of the CEO of a company really doesn't affect me if I like their product!

Just because the CEO of the company doesn't believe in same sex marriages etc doesn't mean that this is the opinion of the whole company. While I believe in freedom of speech, this guy should have avoided speaking on this issue at all. His personal opinion is one thing but when he's taking a whole company down with him? He should be fired. And he should have just kept his mouth shut.

Mr. Cathy and his company have a right to their views just as each and everyone of us do...including Mayor Menino. But just as Cathy has no right to allow those beliefs to influence the company's hiring practices or who is allowed to eat in the restaurants (there are federal laws that prevent that anyways) neither can Menino, as agovernment official, allow his beliefs and prejudices to influence or threaten others from doing or espousing what they feel is right, as long as it is legal. Right and wrong are not absolutes except under a dictatorship. I may not agree with the company but that is MY right, their opinion and beliefs are THEIR right.

I wouldn't eat there anyway; but as far as their views, it is unsettling that a company in this day and age would make comments like that in the first place. Boy Scouts of AMerica surprises me too with their narrow minded views. We are trying to instill acceptance and tolerance to our kids. It's difficult to do when there are adults that aren't practicing that.

Nope. No Chick-Fil-A for me.

I would think twice, but would not say "never". Right now I choose not to patronize them.

Of course I would eat there if the food was good. I've eaten at restaurants owned by gay couples as well, My beliefs have nothing to do with going out to eat or running a business. The owner of this business has every right to his own beliefs, isn't refusing to serve gay couples and employs thousands of people, some of who I'm betting are gay.

Our country is based on freedoms, like freedom of speech and freedom of religious beliefs. The liberal left seems to have forgotten that we are a democracy, not a socialist country. Everything is fine as long as we do what they want, see what they see and believe in what they believe in. But take a stance against them and watch out! It's downright scary to think of what kind of America our kids and grandkids are going to be brought up in if this continues.

Apparently free search is only good in this country just so long as it doesn't offend anyone. Right wrong or indifferent everyone is entitled to an opinion

*speach

I respect their right to express their view but would not patronize them. All positions have consequences and they have chosen to alienate many through theirs.

Personnally I have no problem with same sex marriages but I also believe in the 1st amendment of freedom om speech. I may not agree with what they say but doesn't mean I have to shop there.

Faith is rarely a problem. Religion always is.

I think your choices reflect your opinion, using the word bigot is pretty flammatory.

So what are we going to do ask ALL businesses what certain ones in their business eat in the morning, what religion they are, who they sleep with?
Interesting how Christian businesses can be scrutinized for things completely unrelated to they product but others of the liberal persuasion can have their "bigoted" opinions and no one makes a peep about them.
There is a certain group of "religious" people that have boycotted my business....... why? Because I don't agree with their bigoted, murderous, apartheid views.
I guess it's OK for them to behave badly but not anyone else.
Jim@ccfiile.com

because I don't agree with their

Although I do not agree with Chick-Fil-A's philosophy, I have to give them credit to freedom of speech. They become "bigots" only when the build and profit from the GLBT community. That being said, EVERYONE is entitled to their opinion and I don't agree with theirs. It doesn't give me the right to criticize them or to stop them from building. They have made theif opinion known, and the GLBT community will take note of that, I'm sure...Although words may not be kind to ALL, we do have to respect others rights to speak their thoughts as long as they don't incite hate and violence. Just as Chick-Fil-A may not like the GLBT community, making that a well known point will in and of itself have it's own ripple effect. Will I go there, probably not. I don't support ignorance. Although, I may go and educate that the GLBT community that I personally know are good people. They can't throw you out for expressing your opinion on their property! The loveliness of Freedom of Speech!

This is America, you don't ban a business because you don't agree with them!

Looking forward to eat lunch there.

That isn't very good food!

Romney has made the same statements. When are we going to demonize him?

wow. the wording of the choices could not have made it more clear what the author's vote was. I wonder how many of the "no" votes felt baited into voting that way.

terribly stupid is there nothing else to worry with? i bet if all these people fussying about this eatery and gay people they might find a fue gay people in there own family is this what there worried about?? ipersonally am not gay but have had alot of gay friends thank u marty gause

I just took my entire team to chick fil A and we had great food and a great time. As far as fast food goes, thoroughly enjoyable. We will be back soon.

I'm just surprised at the inability of people to separate the beliefs of one man from the lower corporate policy of a company. There is a difference between the upper echelon of management and the local managers of the franchises. Just because their main office is against other lifestyles, doesn't mean it trickles down.

(Hit Submit too early before)

The suddenly gay-friendly media is too quick to vilify anyone who doesn't absolutely fawn over gays and their life choices.

I think we've gone too far. No one is allowed to have a dissenting opinion anymore. Free speech is dying a slow death, just so everyone can feel "included".

Yes, everybody SHOULD be included! IS included. That's not sudden, that's Constitutional. Deal with it.

Apparently Jesus Christ would be a bigot here according to the gay community. His viewpoint on marriage and the fact that "from the beginning they were made male and female" would have ended Jesus career as a budding food entrepreneur.

The gay community seems to be its own army of intolerance for opinions that deviate from their lifestyle. Back in the 60's the gays wanted to be left alone. Then as time went on they wanted to be heard. Then they wanted you to agree with their lifestyle. Now you are a bigot and you deserve to be put in jail or put out of business if you don't think like them and to make matters worse they will put their lifestyle, or as the newspapers have noted about the AIDS crisis, their death style message into the schools for your younger ones to learn from infancy.

http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/archive/ldn/2009/aug/09082609

Joe Rizoli

Hey David, in 2,000+ years of recorded human history...has every group always gotten along?

Have gays been a very visible group throughout human history, until maybe 20 years ago?

I think not, on both counts. Just because you show up to the party doesn't mean everyone has to like you. THAT TOO is Constitutional. Deal with it.

C-f-A never said you can't eat their food, or even work for them. They are 100% within the letter of the law. Even the Supreme Court has ruled that companies have the same rights as people now, so that means their opinion is protected under the 1st Amendment. Until they stop people from eating at their restaurant or working for them, there is absolutely nothing the feel-good liberals can do, other than protest by not eating at their establishment, or their cute little kiss-in gimmick. If anything, the gay issue may be helping them. I didn't even know MA had Chick-fil-A locations until this became a media issue. I might go out of my way this weekend to have a chicken sandwich, to show support for all of our Constitutional right to have an opinion.

This is a democracy. We all have different opinions. When we start basing decisions on only ONE set of opinions, we all lose a little freedom. Don't give in to the media hype. Its possible to support both sides here. I support people's right to be gay and live how they please. And I support C-f-A's right to NOT agree with that. Its the American way....

Again, Patch. Can we start working on being a neutral journalistic site? Your choices in the poll are very VERY biased. You came out and used the word "bigots" to describe them....but didn't have any positive terminology for a vote in the affirmative.

For all the junk that liberals talk about people who watch Fox News(for the record, I don't), this is just as bad.

If you want to be THAT opinionated, start a personal blog. Try to leave your opinions out of it.

Menino et al: incipient fascism. In case you were wondering what that looks like.

I don't know what all the hull-a-ba-loo is about. The CEO has a right to express his personal opinion. It does not effect his business. He doesn't discriminate in his hiring pracitices or whom he serves.
Remember, President John F Kennedy said that he didn't approve of abortion but he would enforce the law of the land.
As for the 44% that "Would never Support Chick-Fil-A", that's fantastic because when they open in Framingham I won't have to wait in line so long.

The anti Ckick-Fil-A congreation have absolutely destroyed what they intended. Their biased position has created a national recognition that will increase the sales of Chick-A-Fil more than any advertising campaign could.
Wherever they open, they will be doing a booming business.

Hello readers - Just a note that we appreciate the dialogue and feedback on these stories, and thanks for keeping it respectable. The poll choices in no way reflect any opinions of the author. The poll options simply give an indication of what a person voting that way would definitely view it is...for instance, those who are boycotting Chick fil A are considering them "bigots." It does not mean that's what I personally think by any means.

Once people know this I would imagine more people will go there just to support them.
It works both ways you know. If I'm ever in the neighborhood i will try them out.
Not for their stand on this issue per se but to support a business that isn't afraid to say what's on their mind.
The problems with the gays are and I'm talking "militant" gays, they want to force those that don't agree with their views to accept their views.
Ain't going to happen! In fact this all might come back to kick them in the arse.....
down the road. Of course some of them might actually like that.
Jim@ccfiile.com

He was asked a question he answered it honestly. Whats the problem. I'm still eating there.

@David. You and I should start a sort of "Pardon the Interruption", but about politics and social issues. It would be funny.
As far as 20 years ago, I was only 15. So I didn't really care. But I DO know that as a teenager at the time, you got bullied, there was no "Glee", no schools had gay and lesbian alliances, etc To find "gay culture" back then, you had to look for it. There was no real support for gays in mainstream media. No one was really in your face about it like they are now. Let's be honest, if this were 1992, Menino would have been laughed at, as he was presiding over a ribbon cutting of CfA at Faneuil Hall.
I did not say people would seek to eat their because of their stance, only that hey...until this started, I didn't even know they were in MA at all. The old business axiom "there's no such thing as bad publicity" applies here.
As far as marriage being a basic human right...we will see what the Supreme Court decides..if they ever do. I'm not sure about it being a "human right", ie, since you're alive, you're entitled to it". That's a slippery slope to go down. Soon, representatives of pedophiles, polygamists, and bestiality could argue for the same rights, since, you know, they're "born that way". If you think I'm that far out of line here, you apparently haven't been keeping an eye on the ACLU.
Also, having lived in the south for 16 yrs while i was in the military, I fully approve of CfA sandwich, pickles, waffle fries, and sweet tea as a delicious snack.

If the gay community is going to boycott CFA then I assume they are also going to boycott home heating oil and gasoline for their cars. In the OPEC world a homosexual is put to death.

I'm not going to pretend to have read the 63 posts before mine. I do know that everyone is entitled to have beliefs and opinions, and thats a great part of living in this country. HOWEVER, if an owner of a popular company said they didn't like black people, or spanish people, what kind of uproar would that bring? it goes beyond a statement when it's from a source so high up, it attracts like minded people, perhaps some who don't have the same level of sanity. It can create fire storm. I will not eat at one because there isn't one for me to go to, nor do I really like to eat out. I know they are a proud sponser of sesame street, and burt and ernie have to be in a relationship... so they can't be too against it.

Totally agree with Chris L as to where this is all headed.

Soon people will think it is their right to marry their animals. Perversion that hasn't been stopped will keep getting more perverse. When people leave  God all sorts of things start to happen and one of those things is morality gets thrown out the window. If marriage was important to gays then how many of them still continue in sexual liaisons with other gays while still "married" to that person? That also applies to straight marriages also. 

Being gay and using marriage as a scapegoat for some type of moral badge is hypocrisy. MOST of the time the gay lifestyle, unbridled sexual unions with multiple partners,  is the norm. That is why AIDS is out of control in the gay community. If this factoid wasn't 't true then "gay marriage" would be the solution with getting rid of AIDS in the gay community. 

Joe Rizoli

@David. A generation ago, sodomy aka homosexuality, was a crime. Not until 2003(!) was same-sex sexual activity even allowed(Lawrence v. Texas)

Similarly, the Supreme Court didn't even strike down interracial marriage bans until 1967 (Loving v. Virginia). Many have stated that case would be the precedent used to allow gay marriage. But that is yet to be seen.

So who is to say these other groups won't get increasing media backing over the years? No one would have thought that about gays and lesbians in 1967....

As far as bad publicity for an eatery...yes, you named the one bad example. This, however, is more of a philosophical discussion. No one is complaining about bugs in the sweet tea or expired chicken patties, etc.

As far as the collaboration, that's part of the joke. the 2 guys on PTI never get along. They maybe agree on one topic a month. That's the joy of the show.

@Joe and @findbalance.

I am avoiding any "religious" connotations in this discussion. I had Catholicism thrust upon me as a child, and around the age of 10 decided that since my parents' record with the easter bunny, tooth fairy, and santa claus left them suspect....i would probably come to the same conclusion regarding the bible. "god" is whatever you want "it" to be. in this case, hiding behind that belief system to call what others do or do not do is wrong in my eyes.

my entire argument is based on the laws as they are written at the time. interracial marriage was illegal until 1967 in many places. it got changed.

sodomy was illegal in many places until 2003. society's views, and eventually the law...changed.

who is to say these other groups that we now regard as "criminal" won't gain support and eventually legal backing?

after all, until 2003, gay couples were "criminals" in some jurisdictions. society's view about them changed, as did the laws regarding them. unless it worded carefully, wouldn't allowing gay marriage open the floodgates for a litany of other "fringe groups" to look for popular backing?

ChrisL -

Even though you left religious connotations from your discussion, it is part and parcel of the debate because it is the foundation of many people's belief that gay marriage can be a civil union but not marriage. I get it that you have different religious beliefs, and that is fine. With all due respect, though, you can't dismiss others' distinction of marriage being different between man's law and God's because your view of religion is different and does not allow for the distinction.

who cares? I eat there, I dont pay them to make a statement nor do I care what they have to say, if the foods good, thats all I care.
Just like Music, I dont care what the band has to say or what they do, If its good I listen.

The problem Kira is that the laws of God have NOT changed. You can fudge, fiddle, ignore or do whatever you want on this topic but Biblically the Biblical laws on sodomy still stand.

As to homosexuality itself being "normal".

Quote:
http://www.freewebs.com/theborngayhoax/theapa.htm
>>Prior to December 14, 1973, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) considered same-sex attraction a disorder. The disorder was listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-II (DSM-II) under the label, �Homosexuality.� Psychiatry�s authoritative voice influenced public opinion, which at the time was negative toward both sodomy and the types of people who engaged in such acts. Although public sexual activity in parks and public restrooms contributed to societies negative views, �scientific opinion� was crucial in the public attitude.
http://www.freewebs.com/theborngayhoax/theapa.htm

The problem now is through intimidation by radical homosexuals, the gay agenda has hoodwinked the Psychiatry community with statistical nonsense.

I would suggest a good reading of what happened there would be a good place to start with my above link to understand the homosexual agenda which is to lower the age of consent for sexual relations to 14 years of age. It's heading that way unless we "Chicks" thinking people stop it and raise hell.

Joe Rizoli

Kira@ "The law changes with changes in society"
Because people are Godless! Laws were written for lawless people.
jim@ccfiile.com

A lot of passion is swirling around this subject. I'm grateful to live in the USA, where spirited debates such as this one is allowed and even encouraged. The issue, in my mind, is Mayor Menino's stance: I worry greatly when a leader single-handedly decrees which ideologies will be allowed into "his" city.

Boycott Boston, Ask Chik-Fil-A to open in Northborough, since we are more open minded to ALL points of view.

No. I believe that we vote with our dollars. I respect and affirm anyone's right to his opinion.. If I disagree with him, he doesn't get my money. It's that simple........same goes for the Boy Scouts. They are a private organization with free speech rights, like anyone else. I don't support bigotry in any form, and I don't have to.

@Kira. And now that the Democrats have decided to make a formal push for gay marriage as part of their platform at the convention...well, Obama's hand is now forced. I think even he knows you kinda have to scoot up to the edge before taking a leap. America is probably not ready just yet, unless SCOTUS makes it happen. Hate to say it, but if this election becomes a referendum on gay marriage, Obama is out.

@David, the sodomy laws have everything to do with this struggle. Texas was using them to systematically harass gay and lesbian couples. By striking that law down, the gay and lesbian community was afforded a level of legal protection that they had never received in America to that point. Its also the very law that most scholars feel will be the cornerstone of any pro-gay marriage debate in front of the Supreme Court. While you may be correct in your definition of sodomy, you have to remember that it was being institutionally used to categorize relationships states found "undesirable".

And what do you think about that, Chris? The sodomy laws? And people's rights to do what they want, if it isn't hurting anybody? Do you feel threatened by the fact that people interpret marriage differently from the traditional way, "one man and one woman" (what a joke...given American practice)? Tell us all about it, after all, it's a blog, let yourself go! And by the way, I NEVER defined sodomy! Just for the record.

Chick-fil-A has shown great restraint and maturity, while the Mayor has been infantile in his words and actions. The Mayor is supposed to treat all business equally as long as they abide by the law. He showed his true colors this year by letting the Occupy Boston thugs ruin the Greenway, with no consequences. He needs to go!!

Joe, go back to school. You don't speak for God, nor for the trained psychiatric profession, and you should be ashamed to claim that you do. Just stop.

Being true to your beliefs is NEVER bigotry. I encourage everyone to be true to themselves, cherish your beliefs and NEVER let anyone force you to keep them a secret. That's the beauty of America, the FREEDOM to follow your own beliefs without persecution or condemnation.

King James 2000 Bible (©2003)
You shall not lie with a man, as with a woman: it is abomination.

American King James Version
You shall not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.

David I don't speak for God, he speaks for himself. I just pass on the information. Kinda reminds me of my obligation to mankind, remember this one:

Eze_3:18 When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.

I guess you can say from this inspired scripture that I care about people I don't like even if their behavior was formerly mentioned in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-II (DSM-II) as a "disorder".

Joe Rizoli

Brenda, why are you coming down against me for quoting the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders? The radical Gays through their social terrorism made them change the disorder so now sin is ok, don't blame me blame them. As to that "agenda" it is pretty simple:

http://www.conservapedia.com/Homosexual_agenda

>>The Homosexual Agenda, or homosexual ideology, consists of a set of beliefs and objectives designed to promote and even mandate acceptance and approval of homosexuality, and the strategies used to implement such. This article notes that the goals and means of this movement include indoctrinating students in public school, restricting the free speech of opposition, obtaining special treatment for homosexuals, distorting Biblical teaching and science, and interfering with freedom of association. Advocates of the homosexual agenda seek special rights for homosexuals that other people don't have, such as immunity from criticism (see hate speech, hate crimes). Such special rights will necessarily come at the expense of the rights of broader society.>>

You get mad at me because I expose that agenda? Too funny..........
Is this happening or not? Opposition to the Chick-Fil-A is a perfect example of that agenda. Mayor Menino and other mumblers, some here, are doing it right before your eyes.

Joe Rizoli

I'm still waiting for one of our bold, heroic anti-Chik-fil-a politicians and activists to take a similar position banning mosques in their communities.

<crickets>

Didn't think so.

And remember the role that Boston played in the Abolitionist Movement--when people--when politicians!--spoke out, against individuals and institutions, in favor of the equality of ALL people, and their rights to equal enjoyment and protection under the law. We've got two topics here, and neither is chicken... Of course this man has a right to express his opinions, and the public--and even the Mayor of Boston--has a right to care or not care to let those opinions affect THEIR opinions about that restaurant chain, which they, too, have a right to express. But every adult has the right to marry any other consenting adult, too, and that's the more controversial and important issue here.

Mayor Menino, Rahm Emanuel, Chick-Fil-A, And The Easy Slide Into Fascism. “There is nothing wrong with boycotts by consumers, though they often tend to be ineffective. Still though, boycotts are perhaps the purest form of free-market political protests — entirely voluntary, with commensurate impact to the issue at hand on the business in question. But when governments demand political loyalty as a requirement to operate a business or live in a city, that has more in common with the 20th-century regimes that required business owners to have party cards and excluded anyone not considered loyal to the entrenched ruling class.”

Proving once again that inside every 'progressive' lurks a little totalitarian itching to get out.

Jonah Goldberg was on to something.

No matter how many time you say "marriage", David, you mean "civil union", because as you point out, it is equality under man's law. ;-)

Mayor Menino is an embarrassment. He stands for nothing so he falls for everything. He tries to beckon to the "immigrants", of course, that means he has to defend the illegal ones also,  and he try's to beckon to the gay community, that takes in the radical perverts of that community who have no decency for common morals in public.

 If he set an example and became a real leader it would be great,  but he's been bought by the big mouth criminals and sexual perverts. The politicians are an example of cronyism and moral depravation. As a result the society will reflect that depravity. Some of the comments here prove that. 

Everything goes, marry whoever, whatever, love everybody even those who rip you off and give your country the middle finger while doing it.

Joe Rizoli

"A generation ago, sodomy aka homosexuality"--sorry, that's a worm on a hook--or even if it's not, it does go far toward explaining the gross insensitivity to minority rights that crops up with such predictable and painful regularity on this site.

David it has nothing to do with "minority rights".
It has  everything to do with perversion. I know  some homosexuals and I have no problem treating them with kindness and Biblical love. That doesn't mean I agree with the gay lifestyle, or is some instances "death style".
Stop this civil rights crap, it's nonsense.

The  Chick-Fil-A person has never said he would never hire a gay person. He never said he would discriminate against a gay person. The problem here is as I mentioned, is the "gay agenda". They want to live in a world of gay thinking robots. Not going to happen with me or as it seems the Chicks people. Lots of companies have people running them that I disagree as to the owners lifestyle, for instance the Chipolte. An article indicated he was gay. Should I blast his business? That is his lifestyle. If he said he would only hire gays them I would have a problem with that.
Joe Rizoli 

ChrisL.--But what about your avowed love of "dissenting opinions"? You consider my comfort? And you say I am too personal. Let's see, you've told us that your life is "probably very unique", and that you "had Catholicism thrust upon" you as a child, and that you have friends but you don't let them think you're from Boston, and you think the mayor of Boston sounds "like a stroke patient" (you ARE the sensitive type!), and you believe that sodomy is the same as homosexuality ("sodomy aka homosexuality"--"also known as"). And now we are told that quoting you is off limits, a "deflection" tactic.

My advice (you've been giving a lot of it here) is that you try to be more empathetic to gays. After all, for centuries they've had to pretend to be more like you (for all your uniqueness...).

And I'm getting increasingly comfortable on this site. But thanks for your concern.

The use of the word "bigot" in the poll is leading.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-badash/chick-fil-a-5-reasons-it-isnt-what-you-think_b_1725237.html

The above link to a Huffington Post article is well worth the click and read. Among the anti-gay groups supported by dollars from Chick-Fil-A are those that believe gays should be jailed or exported. Among his statements about this issue are those that call anyone who supports gay marriage twisted and sinful and inviting God's judgement on our nation.
They have been sued for discrimination at least 12 times and the CEO has also said he likes to hire married people and not singles because they are more industrious, and he fires women so they can stay home and be moms.
Still supportive?
One more note: to those who have used the expression "Marriage has ALWAYS been" (emphasis on always mine), the old testament is replete with polygamy, and many other cultures practice or have practiced polygamy. This "ideal marriage" of one man and one woman for life is neither universal nor all that old.

The problem here, whihc nobody seems to be addressing, is twofold. First: the bible is completely made up, by men. there is nothign divine about it. So, to say you will be a bigot based on a what a book says is just simply asinine. Second, the bible actually has 8 definitions of marriage. Man+wife and slaves, etc. Look it up. Anyone discriminating based on a badly compiled, misanthropic book like the bible has bigger problems than a restaurant serving mechanically separated chicken which is unhealthy anyway.

To Joe Rizoli: so you want to uphold the Biblical teachings for God. Will you be first in line to stone anyone who is wearing clothing of more than two types of fabric at once--as called for in Deuteronomy? When your son is stubborn and rebellious will you put him on trial so he can be stoned to death (Deut 21:18-21)? Will you be first in line to stone to death a woman found to have not been a virgin when married (Deut 22:13-21) and the man who is caught having intercourse with another man's wife (Deut 22:22).

It is worth noting that nowhere in the laws in Deuteronomy is there any mention at all of homosexuality, not a single word. And the 10 commandments do NOT include any mention of homosexuality.

If you wish to spread God's word perhaps you need to learn more about it.

Attention gay and lesbian community:

Cease and desist either your anti-bullying efforts or your harassment of a fast food joint immediately. By bullying CfA and/or any other company or person who disagrees with you, you have just become hypocrites.

Irene.....As a Christian I'm bound to the teachings of Jesus.
Old Testament applied only to the Jews. Jesus fulfilled the Law so OT laws are in the past and not applicable for Christians.No sense spinning you head on those past laws. See Galatians 3: 19, 24
Lets get into what Jesus had to say (New Testament) wise and I'll deal with you on that issue. Check out Mark 10:6-8 pretty simple statement.
Jim@ccfiile.com

Here we have Jesus quoting earlier Scripture, on the subject (this is explicit in the passage) of divorce. And He goes on: "10 When they were in the house again, the disciples asked Jesus about this. 11 He answered, “Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. 12 And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery.” So look out, divorced heterosexuals!!! Jesus doesn't mention homosexuality at all, nor does He address people who remain single (Saint Paul is very clear on this: it's best to remain single). Jesus Himself, as far as we know (and despite what that silly Dan Brown said) never married. In short, NO condemnation of same-sex marriage comes from Jesus. NONE. NADA. But good luck with your project.

Dave.....Jesus didn't condemn a lot of things that exist now.....That's all I know he stood for what is morally clean and good.
The militant homosexual agenda is filled with perversion,filth and lust.
Notice I said militant homosexual agenda, because there are non militant homosexuals that more or less remain devoted to one partner.
I would think there are not many but you have to at least give them credit for that.
jim@ccfiile.com

Punching the PC bullies back twice as hard: Chick-fll-a Appreciation days sets records across the country as customers from Massachusetts to Washington wait in line for the chance to spend their money and show their support for freedom.

Yesterday was just a preview of what will happen in November.

Irene, I see your concerns but you have to remember, we have been EYEWITNESSES to the conduct of the Gay Agenda. We were at a tea party event on the Boston Common a few months back, and I can tell you, whether these gays were your friends or not they sure were filty, defamatory, sacrieligious and whatever else you want to ascribe to them. When these people get in a mob action they will do things that will make your hair curl. The Police, what was it, probably a dozen of then, did their best to hold these lunatics back from disrupting a fine Christian like event. These "gays" older and younger, showed their true colors. So please don't give me this nonsense about how nice some of these people are. Mob action does strange things to civilized people, go back even to the Salem Witch trials to prove that, yes, I even make that statement agaist Christians.
The gay agenda is very nicely brought out in the Massresistance web site go check it out,
http://www.massresistance.org/

Joe Rizoli

Homosexual scripture quotes

Lev   18:22-23 
"You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination." 

Lev 20:13 "If there is a man who lies with a male as those who lie with a woman, both of them have committed a detestable act; they shall surely be put to death."

 1 Cor 6:9 "....Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals"

 1 Tim 1:9-10 "...... for those who are lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers and immoral men and homosexuals and kidnappers and liars and perjurers"

 Rom 1:26-27 "For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions...the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts...

I guess the Bible is silent about homosexuality... NOT....

Soon the gay community that rewrote the books on perversion will get the Bible condemned  also. Then the movie 1984 that talked  about thought crime will put me in jail for just having an opinion that goes back to the creation of mankind. I really don't care if anyone is gay, the problem comes when judgment comes at the hands of the man on the white horse. Revelation 19:

That's going to be quite a problem for all you smarty pants who think you can tell your creator how you want to live.

Joe Rizoli

Man, i just wished we lived in a country were we could live freely. stop the hate. one love

And furthermore the passages that are quoted above citing "homosexuals" was translated from Greek into God knows how many languages before it made it into English. The Greek word from which Biblical recorders have used "homosexual-" originally means "male prostitutes" and "sexual predators". How that was distilled to mean homosexuality is convenient indeed. It is also important to note that the issue of homosexuality was a non-issue in its entirety in the Catholic Church until the high middle ages coincidentally at which time the Catholic Church initiated the Crusades and massacred thousands of non-believers. So you can't exactly aver that the Christian Church - of which I am a member - has always acted in the best imitation of its reason for being, that is Jesus Christ.

In the entire Bible, which has been translated many times, written WELL after the life of Christ ended and assembled by the council of Nicea under the direction of Constantine, there are just seven passages that **might** reference homosexuality but as all of them are derived from the two Greek words referenced above there is serious question as to the validity of that translation. Alternatively, the Bible is FILLED with references to tolerance and love for one another in the paradigm of God's love for us.

Most of the gays I have ever had dealings with have been good people.They seem to be kind, generous and caring. I don't know what goes on in their life outside my time with them and I honestly don't care.
The "militant" gays are the ones you see in the gay parades, showing their sexuality by what they wear and how they act. Pretty disgusting if you ask me.
I believe a persons sexuality should be hidden from public, whether you're gay or straight. So if people want to perform sexually then do it in the privacy of their homes.
I can say a lot of what I gathered about gays outwardly showing of their perversions but not here. I'm not even comfortable writing about such disgusting behaviors.
But I will say one thing before I leave ..... I saw some years ago at a gay pride parade in San Fransisco...Gays were having sex right in front of two policemen and they didn't seem bothered by it. The atmosphere in the parade was as Sodom and Gomorrah as you can get.
If this is what they militant gays want to show as something positive then back to the drawing board for gay public relations.
Absolutely disgusting!
I filmed the Boston Gay pride parade some years ago, was completely grossed out!
won't even give them time on my show anymore. There should be some dignity with whatever type of person you are, and the militant gays have none.
Jim@ccfiile.com

Joe Rizoli, your opinion is ill formed and you clearly do not understand the context of the scriptures. Judging good people based on the fact of who God made them to be is not very nice. I like Chik Fil A, and think that they are a good company, I just think their CEO is a nutcase. Remember, you do not speak for anyone's creator, can you name that sin?

I would hope that we would all find the practice of being allowed to sell our daughters into slavery abhorrent - even though it is explicitly permitted in the Bible:

Exodus 21:7-11 NLT - When a man sells his daughter as a slave, she will not be freed at the end of six years as the men are.

Using the Bible as a source of moral authority is problematic at best because anyone can pick and choose which passages match their own preconceived prejudices (such as Mr. Rizoli's excellent example above). Society has come a long way in 5000 years - we can even eat cheeseburgers without fear of societal retribution.

The world was not torn asunder when gays started marrying a few years back here in the Commonweath. Sun still comes up every morning and speaking for myself, my marriage and my family are as strong as ever. This whole thing is a non-issue.

As I said above - homosexuals are no more able to change their sexual identity any more than they can change their skin color.

Wow, thanks to everyone who is speaking up. Not my are of strength and truly learning a lot! And impressed to see so many people chiming in. Truly an interesting read!

I'd eat there.

Its only a matter of time before people start to realize their anti-gay stance on the definition of marriage is incredible outdated and yep, racist. By the time my generation starts to take over power of this country, there will not be a debate like this. Old world views towards the gay community just simply aren't tolerated with us. So yes, if Dan Cathy wants to voice his opinions about his stance on gay marriage, so be it. By the time we rule this world, everyone will be equals on all levels and Dan Cathy will look like a fool, as will everyone else who shares these ridiculous opinions.

I say...let's get a Chick-fil-A here in Grafton! The nearest one is too far away as it is, and Grafton is such a welcoming, open minded town where-as a Chick-fil-A should be welcomed here, since Grafton DOES welcome individuals to hold their own views, as well as donate their own money how they see fit.

Personally, I think it is pure hypocracy when any liberal minded individual...homosexual or straight...demands *blood* over a matter of someone expressing their own views. And an additional ironic thing on this matter is that the owner was expressing his view for a BAPTIST MAGAZINE interview, if anyone has forgotten. It was an interview response that Don gave that sparked this entire thing at the moment! A Christian, expressing his Christian views, in an interview for a CHRISTIAN publication! Need I say more??

I'd welcome Chick-fil-A to open a shop here in Grafton. It'd be good business, and more JOBS here in town! (Oh, and is it an honorable thing, also, to be boycotting on such grounds, and endangering the JOBS of thousands of people, just because ONE MAN expressed his views...that didn't match your's? Hmm...think about that one...)

Mark, not only are you rude and childish, but YOUR grammar is horrendous. Dave, I hope you don't take the bait and leave Mark alone on his playground. Shameful!

Do yourselves a favor and listen to Scot Livelys talk he gave this past January in California.

http://www.massresistance.org/docs/issues/scott_lively/speech_011512.html

When you get to the 18 min mark, some person, persons tried to disrupt this CHURCH meeting.

Which proves our point about tolerance or not tolerance when people come into a church and try to cause problems. If a straight person did this at a gay meeting he/she would have been attacked or arrested. Then again in all honesty we don't know what happened here.

This talk shows you quite a bit of information about the Bibles view on homosexuality and should shut the mouths of those who speak nonsense here. Especially take note of the Bibles use if the words "abomination" and "reprobate"

This talk is a VERY VERY powerful talk. Find out why it was banned from YouTube.

After sincere persons listen to this or watch it see where this conversation goes.

Joe Rizoli

Dan, if that is even your real name........Wear the rainbow proud.
You do know what the original meaning of the rainbow is?
Check out Noah and the flood.
Jim@ccfiile.com

Dan what a strange reply as an example. I put up a video showing a talk dealing with the topic. Something happened at that Church service that showed a pattern of bullying by the opposers and you bring up a shooting in Knoxville , ya ok Dan, you got all your marbles on order. Gee Dan did the shorter shoot just gay people? Apparently your shooter was a nut case. My link had nothing to do with shooting anybody. But I stand on my grounds that the gay community is out of control when it comes to their gayety.
If you listen to the Lively talk you'd understand why they are out of control. Has a lot to do with that word "reprobate", get educated people.

Joe Rizoli

Christians aren't under the 613 OT laws anymore. 

Jesus combined all those laws onto Two. 
You must love God and your neighbor. No problem with that.

But Jesus as depicted as the rider of that white horse in Revelation chapter 19 is going to judge in righteousness and as it says:

 "From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty.

Apparently, Jesus isn't all lovey dubby here.

Read the account as to what makes Jesus sword so cutting and what actions that individuals would practice that would get the sword.

Revelation 21:8

 "But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death."

I would bet the "sexual immoral" would entail sodomites.

Joe Rizoli

Well, this is probably the ONLY positive thing to come out of these posts. I run a childrens non profit in Milford and due to all this press on Chick-Fil-A, I decided to look into them. They give MILLIONS of dollars to childrens charities. Chick-Fil-A is now our newest corporate sponsor for our K-2 grade literacy program.

After losing our largest corporate donor this summer, we were going to have to scale back this program big time. Now thanks to Chick-Fil-A, hundreds of children in the Milford area will have access to literacy programs that will ensure their educational future.

Thank you Chick-Fil-A for your philanthropy and commitment to America's children. Without generous corporations like yours, we would not be able to help these children.

Now that this is settling down a little bit, at least compared to last week....when and where do you think the next Chick Fil A location will open in MA?

My thoughts: Somewhere in the Framingham/Natick corridor of Rt. 9, within the next 18 months.

Andy, where do do I say that Gays should be treated as "second class citizens" You comment is complete nonsense. Then another Andy zinger claiming I am full of hate and intolerance. The only intolerance I have is for people like you that must have money invested in dictionary companies and given a nickel for every time they use the word hate and intolerance and bigot. If I quote the Bible it is not I that said the words. God argue it with God.

But when you get time away from your rants and minimal Bible knowledge go listen to Scott Lively and his talk where he gets to the meaning of "retrobate".
Condoning the behavior of God condemned practices puts one in the same place as those who practice the condemnation, ( see Romans 1:32 ) just remember that. Kinda reminds me of a saying I just made up, "if the blind follow the blind, both will fall into the pit". Hmmm where did I get that quote from?

So Andy, If I had a choice to where my beliefs put me and compare them to you and others as to their belief system, I'd still stick with and do my best to get on the "cramped" road, Mathew 7:13-14. We all have choices, I am no better than you. I'm glad you quoted Thomas Jefferson, he's my favorite person, we think alike actually.

Joe Rizoli

Why would anyone be defending them? If you defend the Biblical stand on marriage you would be labeled a hater ,bigot, and whatever else they want to call you. Most people on this list can't take the heat on that, so they back off.
Even the "Christian" people back off, which I find a little disconcerting.How can you be considered a Christian and not believe in traditional marriage.
Let me clarify my point about the gay movement.....I don't care what you do who you do it with, how many people agree with you....just don't throw it in my face and say I have to agree with it. Again I'm against the militant perverted homosexual agenda which is pretty bizarre to say the least.
I might make my beliefs known on some things but I don't shove them don't your throat and say you have to believe them, or you go to jail.
I might be looking worse to you and those who agree with you, but you're not the one I have to answer to.
Jim@ccfiile.com

The two of you are quite a pair. I disagree with you and I must be gay. You guys make my point with every post you wirte. I never said that you two could not speak you rmind, I just disagree with your views and the justifications for them. It seems the more I question it, the more over-the-top your rhetoric becomes. Incredible.

You're pussyfooting around here, Joe. You AND your brother make statements that you know are offensive and prejudicial to large numbers of human beings--they are, in effect, hate speech--and then you say that God is behind you, and that you know what God thinks, and your interpretations are the only interpretations. It's time for you to face the fact that your prejudices turn God--the Old Testament and the New Testament God--into a puppet, YOUR puppet, and that is not a good, nor a religious, thing to do. In short, knock it off.

David.....We don't take ANY crap from anyone! We tell it like it is good or bad and the hell with the world.
You think my thoughts are hate speech? Then you must cringe when you read the Bible and see what God has in store for mankind, not particularly pleasant if you're on the wrong side of the issue. But I will put in a good word for you, me and the man upstairs are tight.
Jim@ccfiile.com

What I can't understand is why there is not editorial control over threads like this, which are often controlled in tone by people who don't live in Westborough (or Northborough) and simply end up reading like anti-gay, anti-immigrant rants. Isn't there ever enough? Its stuff like this that is dramatically eroding the credibility of the Patches. I cannot image any publication that is serious about community standards letting this go on and on and on and on....

David Nolta has stock in the word " hate speech".
Apparently hate speech to him is anything he disagrees with. No patch isn't a waste of time if people stop attacking individuals opinions. Nothing is wrong with an opinion on illegal immigrants, the wars, or whatever. The problem here is nonsense posted about what constitutes hate speech or opinion. Then it gets personal. David Nolta has a personal diary of the Rizolis quotes going back months. That is sick.
Lastly David, I never say God is behind me. I have to live under those same rules I spout. So another statement by you that is false. David I don't have the time like you after you mandated basket weaving class to find every post anybody has said here. I stand behind what I post, if you don't like it don't read it. Very little of what you said in the past needs reposting by me. Nonsense once is still nonsense.

Joe Rizoli

Some of you folks here can't deal with the truth....then you complain that it's anti-this or anti that. How about just excepting the facts and move on. Not everyone here is going to post all the fluff that most here yearn for. There are some that dig a little deeper into things. So for the ones that can't take the heat....you're welcome to move on.
The reason why this world is like it is is because people don't push the issues they let the media feed them the news and they don't question any of it.
I say question everything, keep an open mind, and let everyone have their say.
It doesn't become an argument unless you argue.
What gets me is some "liberals" post the worst comments but that's excepted, because they don't consider it hateful. What bothers me is the personal attacks that get posted that have nothing to do with the topic. Then you go to defend yourself and I'm the bad guy. If you're going to post a personal thing about someone make sure you can handle the backlash.
Jim@ccfiile.com

A line from my favorite rock opera seems fitting here . . . "And what is truth? Is truth unchanging law? We both have truths. Are mine the same as yours?".

The bottom line is that it's not that some people can't deal with "the truth", it's that some people honestly abhor vulgar uncivil speech. It's a shame that we can't seem to have a civil discourse on controversial topics, but I suppose it's all in the way each of us was raised.

Interesting debate nonetheless.

Jim, you said, "Some of you folks here can't deal with the truth....then you complain that it's anti-this or anti that. How about just excepting the facts and move on."

How about just accepting (not 'excepting') the fact that the Southern Poverty Law Center a long time ago classified you guys as a hate group?

Oh but no....let's see you guys go ahead once again and try to dismantle the SPLC's credibility...as if it ever sticks. you fail miserably every time.

(This is not really directed so much at the Rizolis, they are incapable of hearing the truth, but more so at the smattering of Patch readers on here who don't know this little factoid about these sad individuals)

so there you have it....that's who you are talking to....

FYI.....my 2 comments to Joe might have been flip-flopped as far as order goes. Whoops!

Kim, thanks for reminding me about cross-posts. This said, there should be some standard (driven by regional editors?) to put an end to them when they are worn out or simply sucking the wind out of things -- and all too often.. As for the 'Truth', there are always those who claim it for themselves, see the other guys as not wanting heat in the kitchen, and all those cliches. I agree with Rizoli that it is 'excepted' ('exceptional'?) that liberals post the worst comments. Freudian slip? Oh, too, that we should be 'excepting' the facts and move on.... Please, the music speaks louder than the intended word. And for crying out loud, if you're going to set us straight from on high use the almighty English language correctly. Think of what is said when the Brazilians, Latinos and others subjected to all the loving comments here don't speak our language correctly. I think I'm out of Patchworld very, very soon if this continues. Very soon. It isn't the heat in the kitchen, its what's coming up from the septic tank.

I'm shutting down comments on this thread. Thanks!