Senator Lindsey Graham has declared that he will go to “war” with New York over recently introduced legislation that could require Chick-fil-A to remain open seven days a week.
If passed, the bill would apply to all restaurants operating in rest areas in the New York State Thruway Authority, with Chick-fil-A specifically mentioned in the legislation.
Senator Graham has threatened to withhold federal funding against New York or any other state that forces the chain to stay open seven days a week. Chick-fil-A has historically closed on Sundays as part of their commitment to their Christian values.
Employees are given the option to “worship if they choose” on Sundays, according to the company’s website.
“The founders of Chick-fil-A made a decision early on to close on Sunday, consistent with their faith,” Senator Graham said. “For any government to try to reverse this decision goes against who we are as Americans.”
He continued, “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.”
The legislation was prompted by a redevelopment project in the New York State Thruway Authority’s rest areas, where Chick-fil-A operates in seven of them. After the project is completed, the company’s locations will expand to 10.