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The boycott of Chik-Fil-A for supporting anti-LGBTQ organizations made headlines nationwide when it launched as conservatives lined up to support the fast food chain. Now In-n-Out Burgers is facing a similar situation as California democrats call for a boycott of the popular restaurant.
Chik-fil-A was never shy about the owner’s religious beliefs. The company shuts down all stores on Sundays to honor the Christian Sabbath. In-n-Out is also known for the owner’s Christian beliefs. The company prints Bible verses on it’s cups and packaging.
Both chains are known for their fanatical fan base.
Related: The religious right wants you to boycott Target because the store is nice to LGBTQ people
After In-n-Out donated $25,000 to the California Republican Party, Eric Bauman, the California Democratic Party Chairman, called for a boycott of the company on social media. The chain operates primarily on the West Coast with the majority of stores in California.
“Et tu In-N-Out?” said Bauman tweeted. “Tens of thousands of dollars donated to the California Republican Party. It’s time to #BoycottInNOut — let Trump and his cronies support these creeps… perhaps animal style!”
Et tu In-N-Out? Tens of thousands of dollars donated to the California Republican Party… it’s time to #BoycottInNOut – let Trump and his cronies support these creeps… perhaps animal style!https://t.co/9zkdFaG5CJ
— EricBauman (@EricBauman) August 30, 2018
Activists and politicians quickly claimed success during the Chik-fil-A boycott, but never actually said what they accomplished. The company continues to donate to anti-LGBTQ causes and hasn’t suffered any financial loss. Instead, after conservatives flocked to the fast food restaurant, the boycott actually increased their profits.
In-n-Out’s fans are also quickly rallying to the company’s defense. Political experts say that this is not surprising due to the company’s popularity and “if the company’s sin was simply donating” to a political party.
Related: One hate group’s latest antigay boycott backfired. The result? A 300% increase in charity donations.
“The stomach overrules the mind,” Jaime Regalado, emeritus professor of political science at Cal State L.A., told the Times. “A cheap, good-tasting burger is hard to dismiss politically.”
As with the Chik-fil-A boycott, many supporters are members of the community calling for the boycott.
“Eating at In-N-Out is such a standard thing to do across California,” Anthony Grigore, a California Democrat told the Los Angeles Times, adding that he thought the boycott is silly.
In the age of @realDonaldTrump, we need joy in our lives. Sometimes, that joy comes in red/white wrapper and a toasted bun. #InNOut pays some of the best wages in the #fastfood business, takes care of its workers, & offers food affordable to all. We shouldn’t be boycotting that.
— Det Ansinn 👨💻 (@detansinn) August 30, 2018