Chicago politician says he will block Chick-fil-A stores
A Chicago politician says he will block fast food chain Chick-fil-A from opening stores in the city because of its anti-equality stance.
Joe Moreno, an alderman who represents Chicago’s Logan Square neighbourhood, says he will use his aldermanic privilege to block the restaurant’s permit. This means city council members must defer to aldermen on local matters.
The chicken food chain says it is founded on Biblical values. Last week, the firm’s chief operating officer, Dan Cathy, said Chick-fil-A was “guilty as charged” on its opposition to equal marriage rights.
Chick-fil-A has given millions of dollars to groups including the Family Research Council, Exodus International and Focus on the Family.
Mr Moreno told ABCNews.com: “It’s a very diverse ward – economically, racially, and diverse in sexual orientation. We’ve got thriving businesses and we want more but at the very least don’t discriminate against our LGBTQ folk.”
When asked about Mr Moreno’s comments, Mayor Rahm Emanuel told the Chicago Tribune: “Chick-fil-A values are not Chicago values. They disrespect our fellow neighbours and residents.
“[Permitting Chick-fil-A to open a store here] would be a bad investment, since it would be empty.”
Last week, the Mayor of Boston said Chick-fil-A would be banned from opening a store there.
The chain has also lost any future partnerships with the Jim Henson Company, creator of the Muppets.
