( Chick-fil-A )

Chick-fil-A may have an unlikely advocate in the controversy surrounding its support for traditional marriage.

The American Civil Liberties Union, which supports gay rights and other liberal issues, recently said the restaurant should not be discriminated against for its words and opinions.

Chick-fil-A President Dan Cathy has publicly stated his belief in God and the biblical definition of marriage as between a man and a woman.

Following his comments, Boston Mayor Thomas Menino and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said they plan to protest by banning Chick-fil-A restaurants in their cities.

Menino has since backed off the idea, but the ACLU warned other government leaders not to join in the type of threats the mayors made.

"The government can regulate discrimination in employment or against customers, but what the government cannot do is to punish someone for their words," said Adam Schwartz, senior attorney for the ACLU of Illinois.

He added that the ACLU "strongly supports" same-sex marriage, but explained that "if a government can exclude a business for being against same-sex marriage, it can also exclude a business for being in support of same-sex marriage."

Hundreds of thousands of customers are expected to show their support for the Christian-based restaurant chain Wednesday for "Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day."

Join the #ISupportChickfilA Twitter campaign.

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