No Chick-Fil-A Comment Regrets, Rahm Emanuel Says

As the strange Chick-Fil-A rift currently dividing America continues to deepen, Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel says he does not regret speaking out amid the controversy to say the chain’s anti-gay stance doesn’t reflect the values of his city.

Rahm Emanuel is only one of a few big-city mayors that have condemned Chick-Fil-A’s stance during the controversy — Boston and San Francisco as well told the chain that their cities did not approve of the comments and actions many Americans believe are homophobic as the controversy rages.

The city mayors as well as the Muppets have thrown support to the gay community, with the latter yanking their branded toys from Chick-Fil-A kids meals in July. But notables Sarah Palin and viral video star Antoine Dodson have spoken up to defend the chain, with the former VP candidate supporting its values and the YouTube sensation saying that despite being an openly gay man, the company’s views do not affect his feelings about their “bangin’ waffle fries.”

Originally, Emanuel had said:

“Chick-Fil-A values are not Chicago values… They disrespect our fellow neighbors and residents… This would be a bad investment, since it would be empty.”

Despite much handwringing across the US about “Chick-Fil-A’s First Amendment rights,” Emanuel stood by his comments about the chain’s values. He explained:

“…the simple reason is, when it comes to values, there’s a policy as it relates to gay marriage. The values of our city are ones that welcome and recognize that, and I will continue to fight for that.”

Do you think that it’s within a mayor’s scope to condemn views that are deemed by some as hateful, like those of Chick-Fil-A?