In an apparent reversal from a long-standing company policy, Chick-fil-A sent out an announcement today that it would no longer fund groups with anti-same-sex stances, according to a NBCNews.com report.

Chicago Alderman Joe Moreno, who had blocked the expansion of the fast-food chain from opening stores in the Illinois city, received a letter Wednesday morning stating Chick-fil-A would cease contributing to the groups.

"Going forward, our intent is to leave the policy debate over same-sex marriage to the government and political arena" Chick-fil-A wrote in an emailed statement to NBC News.