AUSTIN – Attorney General Ken Paxton today announced that the Federal Aviation Administration reached an informal resolution with the city of San Antonio regarding its decision to exclude Chick-fil-A from a concession contract based on the religious beliefs associated with that company and its owners.
After discussions with the city, the FAA announced that San Antonio International Airport will offer Chick-fil-A a lease opportunity for space in Terminal A.
Last March, Paxton requested the U.S. Department of Transportation open an investigation into the city’s potential violation of federal law.
Paxton even filed a petition against the city as part of his investigation, seeks to compel the city to hand over documents deemed public under state law.
Chick-fil-A’s leadership is well known for their personal belief in the Christian faith and traditional marriage.
“This is a win for religious liberty in Texas and I strongly commend the FAA and the City of San Antonio for reaching this resolution,” Paxton said. “To exclude a respected vendor based on religious beliefs is the opposite of tolerance and is inconsistent with the Constitution, Texas law, and Texas values.
“Our great state deeply values the First Amendment, and I will defend those rights for all who live and work in Texas.”
Members of the city council who spearheaded the decision to exclude Chick-fil-A did not attempt to hide their motives: one branded the company out of line with “our core values as a city,” and another council member denounced Chick-fil-A as a “symbol of hate.”