(WCBS/WBEN) — A plan to put Chick-fil-A restaurants at service areas along the New York State Thruway has sparked outrage among some lawmakers and LGBTQ groups.
The Atlanta-based fast food chain has faced similar opposition over its donations to groups that oppose same-sex marriage and Manhattan Assembly member Deborah Glick believes this is not the kind of company the State of New York should be doing business with.
"Chick-Fil-A has a long history of active involvement in supporting anti-gay activities," Glick told WCBS 880's Peter Haskell. "I think they've been very public in their support of denying basic rights to the LGBT community."
The Thruway Authority has a deal with a consortium to site restaurants in service areas as part of a $450 million redevelopment project.
Assembly member Harry Bronson said this is a public authority and it's not as simple as telling people to shop elsewhere.
"You're providing a captive audience of the people traveling the thruway," Bronson said.
Glick and Bronson have sent a letter to the Thruway Authority and Gov. Andrew Cuomo, asking the agency to reexamine the decision.
"New York has taken great strides to expand and protect the rights of LGBTQ+ New Yorkers," the letter read. "This move by the Thruway Authority, strikes us, as sending a message to LGBTQ+ individuals and families that it doesn't share the same commitment to their civil rights as New York State. We are requesting that you re-examine the list of approved concessions for these rest stops considering Chick-fil-A's action against the LGBTQ+ community."
A petition has also been set up for members of the public to add their signature to the letter.
The Thruway Authority points out there were no tax or toll dollars involved in the deal.
Chick-Fil-A claims it has no political or social agenda.
Last week, the Thruway Authority announced it's plans to redevelop and modernize 27 service areas over the next several years.
The project will include updating the buildings which were originally put up in the 1950s, upgrading amenities and expanding food and beverage options to include Shake Shack, Panera, Popeyes, Burger King, Panda Express, Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, Taste NY and Applegreen Convenience Store.ust over 2 years ago that a similar debate played out
In March of 2019, Chick Fil A was under consideration as a concession at Buffalo Airport, but for the same reasons, it was rejected due to pushback.
State Senator Sean Ryan previously lobbied against the prospect of the controversial fast-food restaurant's location at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport due to statements made about the LGBTQ community. When asked if the company's past comments about the LGBTQ community will impact the decision to have them on the thruway, Ryan said he now needs to know where they stand on the policy. It does not appear the senator is now taking an active role in lobbying against the company, saying he'll wait to hear what other leaders have to say.
"I've looked at Chick-Fil-A and their hours," Ryan said Tuesday. "Right now...they're often closed on Sunday. One of the busiest travel days is Sundays. We need to get clarification from the Thruway Authority if they are leasing to a vendor that is going to be closed the busiest day of the week."