Chick-fil-A was the source of controversy following a series of antigay marriage public statements made in June 2012 by chief operating officer Dan Cathy who personally opposes same-sex marriage. The statements followed reports that Chick-fil-A's charitable endeavor, the WinShape Foundation, had made millions in donations to political organizations opposing LGBT rights, and also that the chain co-sponsored a marriage conference along with the Pennsylvania Family Institute (PFI), opposing gay marriage. In reaction, LGBT rights activists called for protests and boycotts of the chain, while counter-protestors rallied in support by eating at the restaurants. National political figures both for and against the actions spoke out and some business partners severed ties with the chain.
The cohosts lauded anti-LGBTQ Texas Gov. Greg Abbott for signing a law that prohibits punishing entities for donations to religious organizations (even those that are antigay).
The legislation prevents state and local governments from "punishing" businesses because of their donations to faith-based groups, including anti-LGBTQ ones.
