Chick-fil-A serves up some of the most popular chicken sandwiches around. But their connections to anti-LGBTQ groups continue to stir up trouble.

In a stunning about-face, Chick-fil-A announced earlier this week that it will stop all donations to Christian charities that have histories of fighting against same-sex marriage.

The fast food chain has faced years of criticism over its ties to charitable organizations with anti-LGBTQ track records. Activists have staged protests outside Chick-fil-A locations all over the world, demanding that the company stop funding groups that oppose gay rights. In some cases, they've been successful in stymying the company's growth.

Just when it seemed as if Chick-fil-A would never consider changing its ways, the company issued a statement explaining that it will end its relationship with the Salvation Army and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes two of the primary offenders identified by activists. From here on out, a spokesman explained, Chick-fil-A will focus its charitable donations on "education, homelessness and hunger."

Christians React

Although the decision certainly earned them positive PR in some circles, one specific constituency was extremely unhappy about the announcement: conservative churchgoers. Many expressed their disappointment online, accusing Chick-fil-A of "bowing to political correctness" and "betraying Christian values."

You’re never going to get the support of the woke, no matter what you do. Now you’re just going to polarize people (your primary customers!!!) who liked that you supported Christian charities despite what the leftist mob said. — Allie Beth Stuckey (@conservmillen) November 18, 2019

If it's true that @ChickfilA merely refocusing charitable donations to “education, homelessness and hunger," then why is it cutting off @salvationarmy, a major charity helping the homeless and hungry? Stop lying, @ChickfilA. You're embarrassed by traditional Christians. — Rod Dreher (@roddreher) November 18, 2019

!#https://twitter.com/AdamSerwer/status/1196765315365056512?s=20#!

Others decided to have some fun with the controversy:

My name is #Mustard and I am upset & putting a #ChickFilA between 2 pieses of the Bible as my bun in Hope's they will know they stabbed Jesus in the back!!!! pic.twitter.com/A8ly7fsYOG — Phil Braun (@playazball) November 21, 2019

A Troubled Past

Chick-fil-A's reputation for homophobia has followed the company ever since CEO Dan Cathy's infamous 2012 comments opposing same-sex marriage. Despite facing a national boycott from LGBTQ rights groups and angry customers, the company stood its ground. In the years since, Chick-fil-A has steadfastly continued supporting Christian charities some of which were accused of endorsing conversion therapy and other controversial practices.

It now appears there's been a change of heart from the fast food giant. What's not clear, though, is whether the new policy is the result of evolving views on gay rights, or just a calculated economic decision as the company seeks to broaden its appeal and expand into new markets.

Is It Enough?

On paper, this seems like a huge win for LGBTQ rights activists. After years of pressure, a major corporation finally threw in the towel and backed down. However, some think the company hasn't gone far enough in severing its problematic ties. "If Chick-fil-A is serious about their pledge to stop holding hands with divisive anti-LGBTQ activists, then further transparency is needed regarding their deep ties to organizations like Focus on the Family, which exist purely to harm LGBTQ people and families," said GLAAD director Drew Anderson.

Then came reports that Chick-fil-A had decided to backtrack on its decision a bit, and wouldn't totally rule out donating to anti-LGBTQ charities in the future.

What's your take on this whole saga? Is it possible for Chick-fil-A to earn back the trust of the LGBTQ community, or has too much damage been done? Will Christians really turn on their favorite fast food restaurant, or is that an empty threat?