Update: Artist Manny Castro has claimed responsibility for the "Tastes Like Hate" graffiti at the Torrance, Calif., Chick-fil-A.
"Everybody is entitled to free speech, but it seems like for the gay tribe, this is more of an issue of equal rights -- human rights," Castro told The Huffington Post. "I'm against what these people stand for, what this company stands for. They're trying to take away what little rights we already have."
He said he was dismayed at the number of people who came out to support the fast-food chain Wednesday. "I thought of the photographs from 40 years ago of Christians protesting blacks marrying whites," he said. "It is the same thing."
Castro is participating in a group art show in Los Angeles Saturday, and he promised to answer questions about the matter there.
Previously: On the eve of National Same-Sex Kiss Day at Chick-fil-A, one of the chain's restaurants in a Los Angeles suburb was vandalized with graffiti that says its food "Tastes Like Hate."
The graffiti was discovered early this morning at the Chick-fil-A in Torrance, local radio station KNX reports. A painting of a cow, like the one the company uses in its ads encouraging consumers to "Eat Mor Chikin," appeared next to the words. Torrance police were called to the scene about 6:40 a.m. and are investigating.
The company, which has donated millions of dollars to antigay groups, reportedly did record business Wednesday, which conservative leaders had designated as a day of support for Chick-fil-A to counter calls for boycotts by LGBT activists and allies. Many of those who oppose the corporation's stance are participating in today's kiss-in.