Crowds turn out to support Chick-fil-A

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Chick-fil-A restaurants across the country were pack on Wednesday, but it’s not because people were really hungry. They said it’s because they were taking a stand for freedom of speech.

This following the company’s CEO speaking out against gay marriage.

Carlton Berry went to the Chick-fil-A on Dauphin Street for breakfast lunch and dinner Wednesday.

"I came here at 12 and couldn't even park at the grocery store parking lot," said Berry.

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, a Baptist minister, declared Wednesday national "Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day."

This followed a public comment CEO Dan Cathy made to the Baptist Press opposing same sex marriage.

The comment started a firestorm even causing some areas to ban the restaurant.

Wednesday, the folks lined up waiting for hours for a quick bite were sending a different message.

"Not going to be mean to anybody but this is a great organization that stands for family values, and I stand for them too," said Berry.

Wanda Rivers and Marcia Sullivan did not take a stand on gay marriage. Instead, they said they were taking a stand on free speech.

"I think free speech is one thing we've always loved about America. And whatever your stance is, you have the right to express it," said Rivers.

"Everybody feels a certain way. I support Chick-fil-A," said Sullivan.

On Friday, we may see a different scene. A number of people in the gay and lesbian community are planning to protest at Chick-fil-A locations across the country.