Gay rights activists answer 'Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day' with national 'Kiss In'

The Associated Press

ATLANTA - Gay rights activists and other supporters of marriage equality plan a national "Kiss In" at Chick-fil-A restaurants Friday to protest the fast-food chain owners' opposition to same-sex unions.

Participants are encouraged to come to the fast-food chains and kiss a fellow demonstrator of the same sex. One organizer, Carly McGehee of Dallas, said she hopes the event "helps LGBT youth who feel isolated and are victims of bullying."

The gatherings come two days after hundreds of thousands of customers, many of them conservative Christians, recognized "Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day" at more than 1,600 locations.

Chick-fil-A president Dan Cathy stirred the controversy by confirming his opposition to same-sex marriage. The Southern Baptist Cathy family has long been known for publicly expressing its faith, including never opening their businesses on Sundays.