Chick Fil-A has reacted to being kicked out of the San Antonio Airport, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
In a statement e-mailed to 1200 WOAI news from its Atlanta headquarters, the fast food chain said it agrees with Councilman Roberto Trevino that 'everyone is and should feel welcome as Chick Fil-A.'
Trevino introduced a resolution, which was approved 6-4 by City Council, which granted the Airport concessions contract to a firm on the condition that no Chick Fil-A restaurant be allowed to operate in the airport. Trevino said the restaurant chain 'has a legacy of anti LGBTQ behavior.'
“With this decision, the City Council reaffirmed the work our city has done to become a champion of equality and inclusion. San Antonio is a city full of compassion, and we do not have room in our public facilities for a business with a legacy of anti-LGBTQ behavior," Trevino said in a statement. "Everyone has a place here, and everyone should feel welcome when they walk through our airport."
While Chick Fil-A is not known to have taken any anti LGBTQ positions, the company's foundation has openly donated to and supported Christian organizations and groups that support and promote traditional marriage.
"The 140,000 people who serve customers in our restaurant on a daily basis represent and embrace all people, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation of gender identity," the fast food chain said.
Chick Fil-A also held out an olive branch to San Antonio.
"We would welcome the opportunity to have a thoughtful dialogue with the City Council and plan to reach out to them. It is unfortunate that mischaracterizations of our brand have led to decisions like this. The sole focus of the Chick Fil-A Foundation is to support causes focused on youth and education. We are proud of the positive impact we are making in communities across America and have been transparent about our giving on our website.