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By David LazarusAugust 1, 2012, 3:37 p.m.
A big day for Chick-fil-A.Throngs of people reportedly turned out for what former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee dubbed "Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day." But they weren't just there to sing the praises of a pretty good chicken sandwich.
They showed up to demonstrate support for Dan Cathy, the chain's president, who expressed in a recent interview his opposition to gay marriage, and how he and his company are merely upholding God's will.
Meanwhile, protesters called on people to keep their distance from the fast-food chain.
More than 600,000 people declared on Facebook that they planned to show their support for Chick-fil-A.
"I just got my chicken, and my car is filled with the smell of freedom," a caller named Steve said on Huckabee's radio show from a Chick-fil-A outlet in Florida.
"Cars are just everywhere," another caller, Vicky, reported. "Everybody is coming for Chick-fil-A, freedom and Christianity. It's a beautiful thing."
Family-owned Chick-fil-A has more than 1,600 outlets, mainly in the southern United States. The company prides itself on its Bible-Belt values, such as never opening on Sunday.
Critics of Chick-fil-A are planning a National Same-Sex Kiss Day outside the chain's restaurants and shopping-mall locations Friday.
What's your opinion? We'll be discussing today's events and the surrounding controversy online Wednesday at 4 p.m. Pacific time. Join Times reporters, columnists and special guests at www.latimes.com.
