Tony Perkins Accuses Chick-fil-A of Abandoning Christian Values Through DEI Policies

Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, criticized Chick-fil-A on Wednesday for maintaining its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, arguing the company has strayed from its religious roots. Speaking on “Rob Schmitt Tonight,” Perkins noted that while major corporations like Coca-Cola are scaling back DEI programs amid political and consumer pushback, Chick-fil-A has “dug in” on policies he described as “woke.”

Perkins emphasized the fast-food chain’s long-standing Christian identity and the legacy of its founder, S. Truett Cathy. He stated that Chick-fil-A’s current stance is especially notable given the company’s high-profile defense of traditional marriage more than a decade ago—a move that sparked nationwide boycotts but also solidified support among conservative consumers.

“But yet, we have Chick-fil-A that really has dug in on this,” Perkins said, “which is quite astounding given their faith background.”

Perkins pointed to the company’s recent direction, including what he characterized as celebrations of same-sex marriage at some locations, as a clear departure from those values. While expressing no regret over past support for Chick-fil-A, he emphasized that the company has “clearly changed.”

He urged consumers who disagree with DEI and related social policies to take their business elsewhere, warning such initiatives could harm companies financially. “It’s one thing to hold yourself out as a faith-based company,” Perkins said, “but then to embrace values that are counter to that.”