Chicken outlets draw gay-rights protest

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - The battle over gay marriage is now being fought at restaurants nationwide Wednesday, including in New Mexico.

Groups from both sides of the issue are showing up at Chick-fil-A restaurants all over the United States Wednesday.

Outside the Chick-fil-A on San Mateo NE and Montgomery, groups were giving out chicken sandwiches of their own because they said they do not want money going to a business that is against gay rights.

This debate was sparked after the restaurant's CEO spoke out in support of traditional marriage last month  saying he helped fund organizations against gay marriage.

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee declared Wednesday ‘Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day’ to show support of the restaurant.

In response, protesters showed up at the restaurant to tell people that what the CEO of Chick-fil-A did was simple hate against gays.

The restaurant had been crowded since about 10:30 a.m. Wednesday with the drive-through line stretching past its parking lot and into the street.

People were there who said they typically wouldn’t be, expressing both sides of the issue and putting their money where their mouth is.

”I think citizens should present their opinion when they have it and the left in this country is expressing of their opinion and I’m on the right and I’m expressing my opinion by shopping here,” Dave McIver said.

The protesters were expected to be out for several hours.

”I totally agree that everyone should have their rights for a belief, but do not try to oppress one group just because you have this belief,” Abraham Ortiz said.

Chick-fil-A has opened up a tent in front of their building to accommodate more people for this spur of the moment appreciation day.

The owner of the local franchise did not want to comment.

Other Chick-fil-A restaurants in Albuquerque are seeing bigger crowds than normal for a Wednesday.