The claim that Chick-fil-A donated $3 million to anti-LGBTQ+ groups is MISLEADING
Over the past week, the claim that Chick-fil-A donated to anti-LGBT groups has ignited significant controversy. This assertion stems from donations made by the company's charitable arm, the Chick-fil-A Foundation, to organizations accused of holding anti-LGBTQ+ stances. To accurately assess this claim, it's essential to examine the context.
Social Media Posts
Recently, a claim circulating on Facebook features an image with the following message:
"It's simple. When you buy something at Chick-fil-A, your money supports people who believe:
All gay people molest children, Gay people have sex with animals, Gay people will destroy the earth, Gay people should be put to death by the government
Chick-fil-A has given over $3 million to help promote these ideas. STOP EATING AT CHICK-FIL-A!"
Fact-Check
The claim that Chick-fil-A donated over $3 million to promote extreme anti-LGBTQ+ beliefs is a significant distortion of the facts. This figure likely refers to donations made by the Chick-fil-A Foundation to various organizations over several years, including the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), the Salvation Army, and the Paul Anderson Youth Home.
A more specific figure of $1.8 million pertains to donations made by the Chick-fil-A Foundation in 2018. Tax documents reveal that the foundation donated approximately $1.6 million to the FCA and $115,000 to the Salvation Army. These donations have been confirmed by multiple sources.
The controversy stems from these organizations' stances on LGBTQ+ issues:
- Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA): The FCA requires its leaders to adhere to a "sexual purity statement," which opposes same-sex relationships. However, Chick-fil-A's donated funds were earmarked for youth summer camps and sports programs, not explicitly for anti-LGBTQ+ advocacy.
- Salvation Army: Though previously criticized for its stance on same-sex marriage, the Salvation Army has publicly stated it serves individuals regardless of sexual orientation. Chick-fil-A's donation-funded food distribution and holiday programs for low-income families.
- Paul Anderson Youth Home: This organization has been criticized for its views on homosexuality, but there is no evidence that it promotes the extreme beliefs listed in the claim.
While these organizations received donations, the context is crucial. To better understand the situation, consider:
The specific purposes of the donations: FCA funds were for youth programs, not anti-LGBTQ+ advocacy. Salvation Army funds support food distribution and holiday programs for low-income families.
Chick-fil-A's policy change in November 2019: The company shifted its charitable giving strategy to focus on education, homelessness, and hunger, no longer supporting organizations that had been subjects of controversy.
No Evidence of Extreme Anti-LGBTQ Beliefs: No Evidence of Extreme Anti-LGBTQ Beliefs: There is no credible evidence that Chick-fil-A or organizations it has donated to hold extreme anti-LGBTQ beliefs such as those mentioned in the viral claims. The assertions about beliefs like "gay people molesting children" or "gay people should be put to death" are not supported by any actions or public statements from Chick-fil-A or its past beneficiaries.
Chick-fil-A's Current Charitable Focus: The company now supports initiatives related to education, homelessness, and hunger. In 2019, Chick-fil-A announced a shift in its charitable donations, moving away from organizations that had sparked controversy over LGBTQ+ issues, such as the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Salvation Army. The company now prioritizes funding programs that positively impact local communities. Through its True Inspiration Awards program, Chick-fil-A has awarded over $27.8 million to more than 300 nonprofits across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico since 2015. This approach demonstrates the company's commitment to addressing critical social issues while sidestepping previous controversies. (Source: Chick-fil-A Press Room)
Summary
The claim that Chick-fil-A donated to anti-LGBT groups is partly accurate but lacks context. Donations in 2018 were made to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Salvation Army, which have faced criticism for their stances on LGBTQ+ issues; however, the funds were designated for specific programs rather than anti-LGBT advocacy. Following a policy change in 2019, Chick-fil-A has shifted its charitable focus and no longer supports controversial organizations.
Source:
USA Today, Politifact, Lead Stories, Queerty, BBC News, People