Staff Reports
The New York legislature has proposed a bill that would require Chick-fil-A outlets in the state’s rest stops to abandon their longstanding practice of closing on Sundays. The spots at the rest stops were granted to Chick-fil-A as part of the renovation of the New York Thruway’s rest stops, with full knowledge that the counters would be closed on Sundays. According to New York’s Spectrum News 1, Chick-fil-A has had this policy since its founding in Hapeville, Georgia in 1946. The company explains that it closes on Sundays “to allow Operators and their team members to enjoy a day of rest, be with their families and loved ones, and worship if they choose.”
Democratic Lawmakers Launch Attack on Chick-fil-A's Right to Heed Biblical Commandment https://t.co/iHeM9Iu9Hg pic.twitter.com/6HYilcwHzk
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However, some left-wing activists in New York have taken issue with Chick-fil-A’s presence in the state’s rest stops due to the company’s support for what they claim are “anti-LGBT” organizations. The Thruway Authority, which made plans for the renovations, took Chick-fil-A’s Sunday closure into consideration. A spokesperson stated that the renovation project will ensure that there will be at least one food option available 24/7 at all rest stops. Additionally, when the project is completed, Chick-fil-A will be operating in less than half of the service areas on the Thruway, with other food concepts and convenience stores open seven days a week.
Despite these efforts, Democratic Assemblymember Tony Simone of Manhattan is pushing for the bill to require all food providers in transportation facilities and rest areas to be open seven days a week. Simone focuses on Chick-fil-A’s charitable donations and support for Christian organizations, rather than the Sunday closure, as the motivation behind his actions. Another Democratic sponsor of the bill argues that Chick-fil-A’s Sunday policy causes inconvenience for travelers. This move by New York Democrats is viewed as an attack on Chick-fil-A’s religious beliefs and an attempt to prevent the company from honoring the Lord’s Day.
