This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-50055535

The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Chick-fil-A's first UK restaurant sparks LGBT rights row Chick-fil-A's first UK restaurant sparks LGBT rights row
(4 days later)
LGBT campaigners are calling for a boycott of a popular US restaurant chain's first UK branch.LGBT campaigners are calling for a boycott of a popular US restaurant chain's first UK branch.
Chick-fil-A, the third-largest fast-food chain in the US, made its British restaurant debut last week in the Oracle shopping centre in Reading.Chick-fil-A, the third-largest fast-food chain in the US, made its British restaurant debut last week in the Oracle shopping centre in Reading.
But campaigners say the chain supports anti-LGBT groups, and in 2012 the company's chairman sparked a US boycott when he said he opposed gay marriage.But campaigners say the chain supports anti-LGBT groups, and in 2012 the company's chairman sparked a US boycott when he said he opposed gay marriage.
Chick-fil-A said it was focused on great food and genuine hospitality.Chick-fil-A said it was focused on great food and genuine hospitality.
The food chain, founded in 1967, boasts about 2,400 outlets in the US and Canada.The food chain, founded in 1967, boasts about 2,400 outlets in the US and Canada.
According to US news website Think Progress, in 2017 the Chick-fil-A Foundation donated millions of dollars to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the Paul Anderson Youth Home and the Salvation Army. According to US news website Think Progress, in 2017 the Chick-fil-A Foundation donated millions of dollars to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the Paul Anderson Youth Home and the US Salvation Army.
'Sum of many experiences''Sum of many experiences'
Campaigners say all three organisations have a reputation of being hostile to LGBT+ rights.Campaigners say all three organisations have a reputation of being hostile to LGBT+ rights.
Among those who would like to see the restaurant close is Jennie Rigg, former chair of the LGBT+ Liberal Democrats.Among those who would like to see the restaurant close is Jennie Rigg, former chair of the LGBT+ Liberal Democrats.
She told the BBC: "In terms of ethical shopping, I'm not going to give my money to a company that will give their money to people who want to eradicate people like me."She told the BBC: "In terms of ethical shopping, I'm not going to give my money to a company that will give their money to people who want to eradicate people like me."
Chick-fil-A told the BBC: "Our giving has always focused on youth and education. We have never donated with the purpose of supporting a social or political agenda.Chick-fil-A told the BBC: "Our giving has always focused on youth and education. We have never donated with the purpose of supporting a social or political agenda.
"There are 145,000 people - black, white; gay, straight; Christian, non-Christian - who represent Chick-fil-A."There are 145,000 people - black, white; gay, straight; Christian, non-Christian - who represent Chick-fil-A.
" We are the sum of many experiences, but what we all have in common is a commitment to providing great food, genuine hospitality, and a welcoming environment to all of our guests."" We are the sum of many experiences, but what we all have in common is a commitment to providing great food, genuine hospitality, and a welcoming environment to all of our guests."
It added that it stopped donating to the Paul Anderson Youth Home in 2017.It added that it stopped donating to the Paul Anderson Youth Home in 2017.
The Salvation Army said: "It is simply not the case that The Salvation Army wants to eradicate anyone. In a statement, the UK Salvation Army said it "strongly objected to being presented as homophobic or transphobic", adding that it had LGBT+ members and served people "without discrimination".
"We are a church and charity that supports some of the most vulnerable people in society."
It added: "We oppose any discrimination, marginalisation or persecution of any person.
"We find no scriptural support for demeaning or mistreating anyone for any reason."
A statement from the Oracle said it was proud to offer an inclusive space where members of the community can come together.A statement from the Oracle said it was proud to offer an inclusive space where members of the community can come together.