Jan 6
Chick-Fil-A Utah Franchise Sparks Conservative Backlash with Same-Sex Wedding Congratulations
READ TIME: 3 MIN.
On December 3, 2025, the Chick-fil-A at Orem Plaza in Utah posted on its official Facebook page to congratulate two men, Dougie and Toby, on their recent marriage. The post featured a photo of the smiling couple outside the restaurant with the caption: “CONGRATULATIONS TO THE HAPPY COUPLE! Dougie & Toby recently got married, and we are so beyond happy for them!” Dougie, identified as a longtime team trainer at the location, was highlighted in the celebration, reflecting the franchise's recognition of an employee's personal milestone. While the restaurant limited comments on the post, many visible responses expressed support for the couple's happiness.
The gesture quickly ignited backlash from conservative Christian media and activists, who viewed it as a departure from the chain's founding principles rooted in Christian values. Publications affiliated with these groups framed the post as an endorsement of same-sex relationships that conflicted with their interpretation of biblical teachings.
The Family Research Council, through its publication The Washington Stand, published an article on December 4, 2025, condemning the post as evidence of Chick-fil-A “waffling on wokeness.” The piece argued that allowing such a message at any franchise indicated the company had not fully addressed what it described as “LGBT extremism,” despite past controversies. David Closson, director of the Family Research Council’s Center for Biblical Worldview, stated that a company with Christian convictions should serve all people without endorsing identities that contradict biblical truth, according to reports.
Other outlets, including The Christian Post, echoed this sentiment, noting that Chick-fil-A's business model was built on faith and should be held to a higher standard. They pointed to the post as a moral compromise, suggesting it reflected persistent diversity, equity, and inclusion influences within the organization. Critics contacted Chick-fil-A corporate headquarters demanding the company denounce the franchise, but received responses that stood firm on inclusivity.
In replies to complainants, Chick-fil-A corporate stated: “Chick-fil-A embraces all people, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender identity.” The company further noted it is “embedding Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in everything we do.” This position has fueled accusations from figures like former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, who previously supported the chain but now regrets rallying behind it, citing a shift toward what he called surrender to anti-Christian pressures. Texas Senator Ted Cruz has similarly criticized the company's DEI policies as having led it astray.
The Orem post remains visible on the franchise's Facebook page, underscoring local operators' autonomy while corporate messaging prioritizes broad welcome.
Chick-fil-A's history adds layers to the controversy. In 2012, then-CEO Dan Cathy publicly supported the “biblical definition of the family,” sparking LGBTQ+ protests and boycotts over donations to groups like the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Salvation Army, which held policies some viewed as anti-LGBTQ+. By 2019, the company announced it would cease funding such organizations, redirecting efforts to hunger, education, and homelessness initiatives—a move that elicited cautious optimism from some LGBTQ+ advocates, though questions lingered about sincerity.
Today, roles have reversed: conservatives who once defended Chick-fil-A now express disillusionment, while social media commenters have praised the Utah post as a respectful affirmation of employees' lives. LGBTQ+ media outlets like QNotes Carolinas and Gayety have covered the story as a positive step toward inclusion, noting the celebration of same-sex couples and transgender individuals alongside others in corporate statements. Gay Express highlighted supportive public reactions, framing the backlash as outdated resistance to same-sex marriages now legally recognized nationwide.
This episode illustrates evolving corporate stances amid culture wars, where affirming diverse sexual orientations and gender identities intersects with legacy faith-based branding. Franchises like Orem's demonstrate grassroots inclusion, supported by headquarters' policies that welcome LGBTQ+ people without qualification. As Chick-fil-A eyes global expansion, such incidents may test its balancing act.
