Graham visits NY Chick-fil-A to rail against Sunday openings: 'We need to have their back'

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) is speaking out against a New York bill that would require some Chick-fil-A locations in the state to go against their policy and stay open on Sundays, calling it a violation of the Constitution.

"As I speak, the state of New York is trying to pass a law requiring Chick-fil-A to stay open on Sunday at state rest stops," Graham said in a video posted to X, formerly Twitter, showing the lawmaker standing outside of a Chick-fil-A in New York.

"This violates the Constitution, this violates the religious liberty of all of us and the company called Chick-fil-A, who tries to honor the Sabbath," he continued. "Lend your voice to this cause, stand up for Chick-fil-A, we need to have their backs."

The bill, introduced earlier this month, would require restaurants in state highway system rest areas to remain open seven days a week, which would interfere with the fast food chain's long-standing practice of closing on Sundays. The practice was put in place by Chick-fil-A's late founder Truett Cathy, who incorporated his conservative Christian values into the business.

The Sunday policy is aimed at allowing employees to be with their family and friends and "worship if they choose," the company states online.

Last week, Graham "declared war" over the bill, threatening to introduce legislation to withhold federal funds from cities that require Chick-fil-A to open on Sundays.

New York Assembly Member Tony Simone (D) introduced the bill earlier this month and said it is intended to provide travelers in New York with various food options at rest stops, The Associated Press reported. The bill would not apply to restaurants that are currently operating, meaning its impact on existing Chick-fil-A locations would be limited, the news wire added.

The bill will apply to any future contracts for food concessions at transportation facilities owned by the state and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the AP said, while excluding temporary concessions like farmer's markets.

The bill comes amid a redevelopment project at the New York State Thruway Authority's 27 service areas, with 23 of service area restaurants set to be rebuilt and the others undergoing renovations. Once this project is done, Chick-fil-A will operate in 10 service areas on the thruway, the AP reported.

In a separate post on X on Wednesday, Graham said he had lunch at the first Chick-fil-A in Manhattan, where he spoke with the location's managers.

"They [managers Oscar and Ray] appreciate all of us standing up for Chick-fil-A’s values and rights in the state of New York," he wrote.

The fast food chain has been the subject of scrutiny in recent years over its financial ties to groups opposing the legalization of same-sex marriage. This led to boycotts of the business in 2012, before the company pulled back on financial support and eventually ended it in 2019.