For the past couple weeks my Facebook and Twitter timelines have been awash with status updates, link shares and more regarding Chick-Fil-A president Dan Cathy’s statement that the company is indeed “guilty as charged” when it comes to opposing gay marriage. For many, this comes as no surprise, given Chick-Fil-A’s penchant for promoting its Christian values. For some, this most recent news has sparked a sudden boycott of waffle fries and Polynesian sauce. And some have come out in support of Chick-Fil-A’s adherence to traditional Christian values, at least the ones that aren’t tolerance and love for all. And lately another (misinformed) faction has joined the fray. They believe that this should not be a political issue. That it’s just chicken. And that it is “stupid of people to punish a company for its president’s personal opinions.” This is about Chick-Fil-A using profits to support anti-gay causes. No, Chick-Fil-A is not being accused of refusing to serve gay and lesbian couples. But they have used their profits to support organizations that openly discriminate against same-sex couples. Indirect discrimination is just as inexcusable as direct and open discrimination. And no, a few standing in protest won’t hurt the company’s bottom line. And Chick-Fil-A is highly unlikely to change its stance. This is the same company that closes all of its locations on Sundays regardless of the money. No, this isn’t about affecting a change in Chick-Fil-A. It is about feeling good about where and how you spend your money. And there’s nothing wrong with that. Banal though the boycott may be, the principle is what matters and you should stand by yours. Money is a form of speech. And as consumers it is our right, some might even say responsibility, to use our money to “support companies we like and to back causes we like.” I’m not saying that consumers are responsible for vetting every company they patronize. That isn’t the point. The point is to do what makes you comfortable. If that means only taking a stand when a company is outspoken about questionable beliefs and tactics then by all means.