Calling it a “Cluck Off,” protestors are trying to block the grand opening of Chick-fil-A‘s first Toronto, Canada location. About 100 reportedly showed up to voice disapproval of the Atlanta, Georgia-based fast food chicken retailer’s anti-LGBTQ history, with some lying down in front of the new store’s doors.
Protestors are chanting, “Hey hey, ho ho, homophobia’s got to go,” and holding signs that read, “Chick-fil-A is full of homophobia.”
“Chick-fil-A has given millions of dollars to anti-LGBTQ2S organizations, including known hate groups and proponents of conversion therapy, and continues to do so every year,” one Toronto group, The 519, says. The group lists itself as a “proud city agency and a registered charity,” and is “committed to the health, happiness and full participation of the LGBTQ2S communities.”
They posted these photos of Friday’s protest:
CityNews Toronto Sr. Journalist Mark McAllister posted video and photos of the protest:
Canada’s Daily Xtra last year spoke with Rich Matherne, vice president of Chick-fil-A International, who “could not make a commitment on behalf of the company” that it would cease funding anti-LGBTQ organizations and causes.
More video and photos from Friday’s protest:
Chick-fil-A has been challenged to expand outside of the U.S. It opened a few stores in South Africa in the 1990’s but closed them a few years later. It’s first store in Canada also closed after a few years. Toronto appears to be Chick-fil-A’s only current location in Canada.