San Antonio votes to ban Chick-fil-A from their airport

Chick-fil-A restaurant

The city council of San Antonio, Texas, voted on Thursday (21 March) to ban a Chick-fil-A from opening in the city’s airport.

Council members passed the resolution in a 6-4 vote, with one abstention.

The inclusion of a Chick-fil-A restaurant at the international airport was part of the Food, Beverage and Retail Prime Concession Agreement with Paradies Lagardère.

Four members — Art A. Hall, Greg Brockhouse, John Courage and Clayton Perry — voted against the resolution to ban Chick-fil-A. They said the contract needed more time for review.

Council member Rebecca J. Viagran abstained.

Six votes, however, were enough to pass the resolution.

‘With this decision, the City Council reaffirmed the work our city has done to become a champion of equality and inclusion,’ Councilman Roberto C. Treviño told Out In SA.

‘San Antonio is a city full of compassion, and we don’t have room in our public facilities for a business with a legacy of anti-LGBTQ behavior.’

Chick-fil-A’s anti-LGBTI record

The company has a vast anti-LGBTI record throughout its history.

Previously, the company has donated to anti-LGBTI groups and causes. In 2010, COO Dan Cathy said the company is against marriage equality and operates on ‘biblical principles’.

Most recently, 2017 tax filings showed the company was still donating to anti-LGBTI organizations.

Chick-fil-A released a statement regarding San Antonio’s decision.

‘This is the first we’ve heard of this. It’s disappointing,’ they said.

‘We would have liked to have had a dialogue with the city council before this decision was made. We agree with Councilmember Treviño that everyone is and should feel welcome at Chick-fil-A.’

They concluded that they ‘plan to reach out to the city council to gain a better understanding of this decision’.

This is not the first time a place has rejected a Chick-fil-A on their property due to their anti-LGBTI policies.

In 2018, Rider University said no to one on their school campus.

Treviño, meanwhile, said everyone should ‘feel welcome when they walk through our airport’ and looks forward to the replacement suggestion.

See also

Failing to be inclusive, Victoria’s Secret to close dozens of stores

Apple, Google, Tumblr and more businesses lobby US court for trans student

United is first of US airlines to offer non-binary booking options

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