Burger King takes swipe at Chick-fil-A and shows support for LGBTQ+ communities amid homophobia scandal

Fast food heavyweight Burger King is showing its support for LGBTQ+ communities in the United States, in a move that many interpret as a thinly-veiled dig against competitors Chick-Fil-A.

The popular burger franchise, which recently launched a new chicken sandwich option, is pledging to donate money to LGBTQ+ organisation The Human Rights Campaign.

Burger King’s move follows fresh calls to boycott fast food chain Chick-Fil-A, amid reports that the company’s CEO Dan Cathy is a donor to the National Christian Charitable Foundation. The group is a vocal opponent of The Equality Act, a pro-gay-rights piece of legislation designed to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex, sexual orientation and gender identity.

Burger King is supporting LGBTQ+ rights this Pride (Credit: Alamy/Francis Joseph Dean)

Burger King support LGBTQ+ community

Throughout this year’s Pride month, Burger King has pledged to donate 40 cents for every one of its new Ch’King sandwiches sold to The Human Rights Group.

The amount could increase up to a potential maximum of $250,000 – equivalent to 625,000 Ch’king sandwiches.

READ MORE: 14 food and drink brands supporting Pride Month 2021

In a statement to USA Today, the chain said: “This is a community we love dearly and have proudly supported over the years, so we couldn’t miss an opportunity to take action and help shine a light on the important conversation happening.”

The money will go to the grassroots organisation The Human Rights Campaign. The group supports a network of over 3 million members and has been active since 1980.

Burger King is pledging 40 cents from every Ch’King sold (Credit: Burger King)

Burger King aims swipe at Chick-Fil-A

Many commentators have welcomed Burger King’s commitment to LGBTQ+ rights. However, the new campaign has also been perceived as a direct attack on its competitor in the fast food space.

In a tweet announcing its promise, Burger King wrote: “The #ChKing says LGBTQ+ rights!

“During #pride month (even on Sundays) your chicken sandwich craving can do good! we are making a donation* to @HRC for every Ch’King sold.”

The reference to Sunday, in particular, is a direct reference to Chick-Fil-A. The restaurant famously does not open its doors on Sundays.

Over the years, many people have been heavily critical of Chick-Fil-A and its rumoured anti-LGBTQ+ agenda. Just this month, customers have threatened to boycott the restaurant over claims it made over $1.8 million in donations to anti-LGBTQ+ groups.

READ MORE: Inside Slipknot’s bizarre lawsuit against Burger King

Although an investigation subsequently clarified that the donations were made in 2018 rather than 2020, this is just the latest controversy involving the brand.

For instance, prior to 2012, Chick-Fil-A was infamous for its open support of anti-gay movements.

In addition to his support for the National Christian Charitable Foundation, CEO Cathy has made several supposedly homophobic remarks.

Twisted has contacted Chick-Fil-A for comment.