The First Amendment exists so that we may all have the right to express our opinions openly

and honestly without fear of prosecution from both the law and individuals. Recently this

amendment has been threatened as groups of individuals have felt the need to oppress a liberty

they feel only applies to them. Heating up the controversy is the popular chicken sandwich

company known as Chick-fil-A.

Chick-fil-A has recently come under fire after the company’s president, Dan Cathy, made

a remark that he and his company believed firmly in traditional, biblical based marriage. This

statement should not have been altogether surprising considering Chick-fil-A is an openly

Christian company, and has supported Christian organizations for many years. However,

proponents for gay marriage in the United States are outraged, and have taken a stand by

refusing to eat at Chick-fil-A. The mayors of Chicago and Boston even went as far as to try and

ban Chick-fil-A from their cities.

This is an issue that has gotten completely out of hand. While it is certainly a hot button

issue, it is not one about gay rights, but rather, freedom of speech. Cathy was asked his opinion

on gay marriage and he gave it openly and honestly with no intention of trying to harm anyone.

He was not threatening people or calling names he was just giving his opinion and as a result his

civil rights were in jeopardy. He broke no laws, committed no crimes, and yet across the country

he is being treated as if he were a criminal.

Chick-fil-A is now being threatened by multiple cities and states and has been told that

their business is no longer welcome. It is not up to any one person to decide what businesses

should stay or go based on the personal beliefs of the owner. If Chick-fil-A was threatening the

environment, or causing physical or emotional harm to its customers I would understand the

need to cause so much commotion. However, they have done nothing of the sort and even after

all of the backlash that has followed them they still have continued to provide good food and

great customer service. When asked about Chick-fil-A’s policy to guests and professionalism

during this time one employee remarked “we are just here to serve you some great chicken with

good customer service.”

We are very fortunate to live in a country where we all have the ability to share our opinions

and beliefs without fear of refusal. Yet it would seem that as time foes on a society that calls for

freedom and equality has grown more intolerant and unfeeling to opinions that are not viewed

as popular or universally accepted. If we do not take a stand now for those whose opinions are

being silenced who will stand for us when we have something of importance to say?