In a passionate defense of Chick-fil-A’s longstanding policy of closing on Sundays, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham warned New York state lawmakers against interfering with the fast-food chain’s religious practices. Graham issued his warning during a recent visit to New York, where he condemned a proposed bill that would require some Chick-fil-A locations at rest stops to operate seven days a week.
The bill, filed in the New York State Assembly, has sparked controversy as it goes against Chick-fil-A’s religious beliefs. The company, which has adhered to its Sunday closure policy since its founding in 1946, considers Sundays as the “Lord’s Day.” The proposed legislation would force the fast-food chain to abandon its religious observance and open on Sundays.
Senator Graham, a staunch defender of religious freedom, firmly believes that the bill is unconstitutional. He has pledged to introduce legislation in the U.S. Senate that would withhold federal funds from any city or state that requires Chick-fil-A to open on Sundays.
During an appearance on “FOX & Friends” in New York City, Graham expressed his support for Chick-fil-A, stating, “Well, if you can have a Satan club in high school, surely [Chick-fil-A] can close on Sunday because they believe it’s the Lord’s Day.” He also sent a message to Chick-fil-A Chairman Dan Cathy and the entire company, assuring them, “Stand your ground, I’ve got your back. It’s illegal what they’re trying to do.”
Graham further criticized the New York bill, arguing that it infringes upon the company’s rights and its longstanding policies. He warned the lawmakers pushing for the bill, stating, “And to the people in New York who are pushing this: You’re in for one hell of a fight.”
Highlighting his opposition to the legislation, Senator Graham took to social media, posting a video in front of a Chick-fil-A location in Manhattan. In the video, he continued his campaign against the bill, calling it a “blatant violation of this company’s rights.”
The proposed New York bill aims to require all food vendors operating at rest stops owned by the New York State Thruway Authority to open every day, specifically citing Chick-fil-A as the reason behind this move. The bill argues that publicly owned service areas should maximize their benefit to the public and that allowing retail space to go unused on Sundays is an inconvenience to travelers.
Chick-fil-A, with its 3,000 locations across the U.S., currently operates seven restaurants owned by New York’s Thruway Authority. If the bill passes, it would impact all future contracts between the fast-food chain and the authority.
As the debate continues, Senator Lindsey Graham’s vocal defense of Chick-fil-A’s religious freedom has garnered significant attention. His threat of withholding federal funds and his warning to the lawmakers pushing the bill have added fuel to the controversy surrounding the proposed legislation.
In a climate of heightened political polarization, the clash between religious beliefs and legislation is once again at the forefront. The outcome of this battle may have far-reaching implications for the protection of religious freedom in the United States.
