Cracker Barrel Prohibits Anti-Gay Pastor From Hosting Event at One of Their Locations

Not happening on Cracker Barrel's watch.

Florida, Stuart, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store.
Getty

Image via Getty/Jeffrey Greenberg

Florida, Stuart, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store.

Cracker Barrel will not allow a Tennessee pastor, who has previously stated that members of the LGBTQ community are "worthy of death," to hold an event for his congregation, the All Scripture Baptist Church, at their Cleveland, Tennessee restaurant on June 29. 

Upon hearing about the "Small Town Soul Winning" event being hosted by pastor Grayson Fritts, who also—and this is not a typo—serves as a detective with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, the Tennessee Democratic Party penned a letter to Cracker Barrel CEO Sandy Cochran, citing how this event would be in direct conflict with the diversity and inclusion pledge that appears on their own website. 

A letter to @CrackerBarrel CEO Sandy Cochran from @tndp chair @marymancini re: Grayson Fritts' church, All Scripture Baptist, hosting an event at their store in Cleveland, TN. pic.twitter.com/VI6carVyaY

— Tennessee Democratic Party (@tndp) June 18, 2019

Cracker Barrel responded to the letter, informing the Tennessee Democratic Party that the All Scripture Baptist Church has been made aware that their event will not be permitted at any of their locations. 

We work hard every day to foster a culture that is welcoming and inclusive. Please see our full statement below. pic.twitter.com/1bpsJ0YmCn

— Cracker Barrel (@CrackerBarrel) June 18, 2019

Cracker Barrel's stance on this matter was a pleasant surprise for everyone who saw that their company was trending and feared the worst. 

I saw Cracker Barrel was trending and thought "what did they do now."

Imagine my surprise.

— 🤌🏾 Imani Gandy 👆🏾 (@AngryBlackLady) June 20, 2019

I saw Cracker Barrel trending and I was like no no no no omg what!! Then I read they’re DENYING a pastor who called for executions of LGBT people of holding an event at their establishment and I was like WHEW, I commend you, Cracker Barrel!! 👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/HqVjx20pbv

— clαire g ‎ﺕ (@Clarissa_001) June 19, 2019

*sees Cracker Barrel trending and expects them to have done some unprogressive shit*
*finds out they banned an anti-gay pastor* pic.twitter.com/VETV7kz5Pw

— Emberstrife (@Emberstrife) June 19, 2019

1991: Cracker Barrel fires an employee because she was a lesbian and it went against their "family values."

2019: CB bans anti-gay pastor Grayson Fritts' event due to a zero-tolerance policy for "discriminatory treatment or harassment of any sort."

The boycotts work, people.

— Amee Vanderpool (@girlsreallyrule) June 19, 2019

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