Chick-fil-A combines making great chicken sandwiches with top-notch, friendly service, and as a result it has become one of America’s favorite fast-food restaurants. But unlike its competition, Chick-fil-A is closed every Sunday, and this is due to the traditional Christian values of founder S. Truett Cathy — values shared by his son and current CEO Dan Cathy. And like many privately owned companies, Cathy has given money to organizations and causes that he supports, including Christian and pro-family organizations. This is America, after all, where the First Amendment protects the freedom of speech and thought.

However, Cathy’s First Amendment rights are being threatened by leftist government officials who reject his support of traditional Christian values. In San Antonio, City Councilman Robert Trevino banned Chick-fil-A from the local airport, and New York State Assemblyman Sean Ryan (D) announced that Buffalo’s airport would be prohibited from operating a Chick-fil-A in its food court. The justification for these bans?

Well, as National Review’s Rich Lowry writes, “The left-wing outfit ThinkProgress issued a report cited widely in the press and among Chick-fil-A opponents accusing the company’s foundation of ‘anti-equality’ giving. By which it means it donated to the Salvation Army and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (and a small Christian home for troubled young men in Vidalia, Ga.).”

Using absurd doublespeak, Trevino rationalized his decision to ban Chick-fil-A by claiming, “Everyone should feel welcome when they walk through our airport.” Well, except Christians selling chicken sandwiches. Ryan was at least more to the point with his excuse, arguing, “The views of Chick-fil-A do not represent our state or the Western New York community.” When did the Left abandon its loudly proclaimed support for tolerance?

The fact of the matter is that Chick-fil-A has never run afoul of antidiscrimination laws. The fast-food company has received no allegations of discrimination against either homosexual customers or homosexual employees. In fact, it has regularly been recognized as one of the best fast-food restaurants to work for.

Thankfully, both of these cases are being looked into. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has initiated an investigation into the actions of the San Antonio city council, and New York’s Civil Liberties Union has condemned Buffalo’s decision, which should lead to a lawsuit. These intolerant actions by leftist thought police are antithetical to the Constitution and must be met head-on.