Same Sex Couples in Fresno Participate in "Kiss-in" Protest

By Audrey Asistio, KSEE24 News

August 3, 2012 Updated Aug 6, 2012 at 7:57 PM PDT

It's more than just a kiss. Same sex couples say it's a kiss for equality.

Jeremy Washburn said, “I'm okay with difference in opinion but when it comes across hateful, I gotta stand up for that because that's not cool.”

Gay rights activist Jason Scott said, “Because of the harm that this company is doing, we thought that this was the appropriate measure to do.

Dozens protested outside the Chick-fil-A on Blackstone in Fresno to voice their dislike over the company president's opposition to same sex marriage.

“It's when they take millions of dollars from the customers that run into these stores and make a purchase and they fund all those into groups that work against our community, and say that there is something wrong with us, that's what we have a problem with,” said Scott.

At 6 p.m. Friday, protesters in Fresno gave each other a kiss in front of the chain on Blackstone in Fresno. Same sex couples then took turns walking into the restaurant to kiss each other inside.

Chick-fil-A has gotten a lot of attention since its CEO, Dan Cathy spoke out supporting traditional marriage. On Wednesday thousands lined up to buy chicken sandwiches, to show solidarity with the president. Friday’s kissing crusade campaign didn't affect Chick-fil-A business at the Fresno restaurant. Customers we spoke with didn't mind the commotion.

Chick-fil-A customer Bruce Hershey said, “It was a freedom of speech issue regarding what a marriage constitutes and I think that person has a right to their opinion just like everybody else.”

By comparison, Friday’s number of protesters was low compared to the thousands of people who turned out for Chick-fil-A Appreciation day on Wednesday.

The owner of the Chick-fil-A restaurant on Blackstone in Fresno isn't taking part in the debate. She said she's, "just here to sell chicken."

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