Pride event finds unlikely new sponsor in Chick-fil-A

A Chick-fil-A outlet of the fast food chain that would have benefited from the bill the Texas LGBT caucus killed.

A fast-food chicken restaurant has become the unlikely new sponsor of Iowa City Pride festivities.

The boss of Chick-fil-A Dan Cathy COO has on a number of occasions made comments denouncing same-sex marriage.

Back in 2012 it emerged that the fried chicken company had donated millions of dollars to anti-gay groups including the Family Research Council, Exodus International and Focus on the Family, after Cathy said the business supports ‘Biblical families’.

A franchise owner, however, Adam Donius, who owns a restaurant in Coralville, has promised to donate 200 chicken sandwiches and sides for Iowa City Pride’s annual picnic on 29 June.

Those in charge of the Pride festivities said they approached the restaurant after some took issue with him sponsoring the event last year.

“We offered him different ways that he could contribute and be part of our pride, help us build community,” said Jewell Amos, Iowa City Pride Chair.

“He said that he totally believes in building community. So he was like, sure.”

The business has faced huge boycotts since the anti-gay donations came to light, with a number of stores blocked or removed.