A New York lawmaker has introduced a bill that would require all restaurants in the state highway rest areas to be open on Sundays, apparently prompted by opposition to the policies of Chick-fil-A, which is famously known for giving its employees that day off to be with family.
The bill would apply to all future restaurant contracts with the State and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, but Chick-fil-A is mentioned in the legislative material that seeks to explain why the legislation is necessary, according to The Associated Press.
Chick-fil-A has been a lightning rod for criticism for years because its founder, the late Truett Cathy, made no secret that he practiced business guided by his Christian values.
About a decade ago, Chick-fil-A was subjected to a boycott for financially backing groups that supported traditional marriage between a man and woman. However, according to the AP, the restaurant chain ceased that support in 2019.
Manhattan borough Assemblyman Tony Simone introduced the bill at the height of the Christmas season on December 13. Simone claimed that the bill did not restrict religious freedom but portrayed it as a “consumer protection bill” when he spoke to CNN.
“It’s my responsibility as a state law maker that make sure state contracts serve all New Yorkers,” said Simone.
Asked by CNN whether that meant that he would make restaurants stay open even if Christmas fell on a Sunday, Simone answered, “Yes, and if they wanted to give their workers off, great if they celebrate that holiday. And folks who did not celebrate that specific holiday could work that day.”
South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham came out firing against the proposed bill for allegedly targeting the fried chicken sandwich chain with Southern roots for its faith-based practices. Responding to an article on the bill on X, he wrote, “This is war.”
He added in a subsequent post:
“If this goes forward, I will be introducing legislation withholding federal funds from any city or state that requires [Chick-fil-A] to stay open on Sunday. The founders of Chick-fil-A made a decision early on to close on Sunday, consistent with their faith. For any government to try to reverse this decision flies in the face of who we are as Americans. Chick-fil-A is a great company with thousands of locations serving the public with a quality product and taking care of their employees. New York is off base and their actions will not go unanswered.”
