Fast-food chain Chick-fil-A said it is finally, really, really, really ready to give up on providing funding to anti-LGBT groups.

 

In a press release sent out on November 18, the Chick-fil-A Foundation said it would direct all of its charitable work towards organizations that address issues of hunger, education, and homelessness. It said it would spend $9 million in 2020.

 

Company president and COO Tim Tassopoulos later confirmed that several groups, known for their anti-gay tendencies, would no longer be getting money from them. This includes The Salvation Army and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. 

 

"There's no question we know that, as we go into new markets, we need to be clear about who we are," Tassopoulos said. "There are lots of articles and newscasts about Chick-fil-A, and we thought we needed to be clear about our message."

 

That is quite the change from 2012, when CEO Dan Cathy said Chick-fil-A backs “the biblical definition of the family unit" and double-downed on the company's support of groups known for their homophobic rhetoric.

 

But years of boycotts and bad press seem to have worn the company down. GLAAD welcomed the news, but wanted Chick-fil-A to prove it had changed.

 

The Salvation Army was less impressed by the news.

 

"We serve more than 23 million individuals a year, including those in the LGBTQ+ community," a spokesperson said. "In fact, we believe we are the largest provider of poverty relief to the LGBTQ+ population.

 

"When misinformation is perpetuated without fact, our ability to serve those in need, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, religion or any other factor, is at risk. We urge the public to seek the truth before rushing to ill-informed judgment and greatly appreciate those partners and donors who ensure that anyone who needs our help feels safe and comfortable to come through our doors."

 

The Christian right is also attacking the decision, claiming the company has been bullied into submission by the radical and intolerant left.

 

Before you get too excited and run out to get yourself one of Chick-fil-A's famous chicken sandwiches, a warning: their food is mediocre at best, so don't expect much.