SAN ANTONIO, April 17, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- First Liberty Institute today launched an investigation by requesting documents from San Antonio city officials regarding the City’s decision to exclude Chick-fil-A from operating at the San Antonio International Airport. The religious liberty law firm earlier called on U.S. Secretary Elaine Chao to investigate the City for religious discrimination.
“The City’s decision to ban Chick-fil-A was blatant, illegal religious discrimination,” said Hiram Sasser, General Counsel to First Liberty Institute. “We want to know just how deep the religious animosity runs within San Antonio’s city government. A tolerant and inclusive city should have nothing to hide.”
First Liberty Institute attorneys are requesting public records such as staff reports, comments, and assessments relating to the proposed concession agreement between the City of San Antonio and Paradies Lagadère, which had included Chick-fil-A. The request also seeks communications, notes, or other documents, including but not limited to emails, text messages, notes, statements, letters, reports, and comments, produced by members of the San Antonio City Council, or any employee or staff member of the City Council relating to the contract or to Chick-fil-A.
Recently, the City Council of San Antonio voted to approve a contract with Paradies Lagadère to operate certain concession space in the San Antonio International Airport on condition that Chick-fil-A, which was part of the proposed concession lineup, be excluded. In its earlier letter to Secretary Chao, First Liberty urged the federal government to investigate whether the City violated federal nondiscrimination laws by basing its decision to prohibit Chick-fil-A on the religious beliefs and charitable giving of the popular chain’s foundation.
About First Liberty Institute
First Liberty Institute is a non-profit public interest law firm and the largest legal organization in the nation dedicated exclusively to defending religious freedom for all Americans.
To arrange an interview, contact Lacey McNiel at media@firstliberty.org or by calling 972-941-4453.
Contact: Lacey McNiel, media@firstliberty.org
Direct: 972-941-4453