Support and protests at Chick-fil-A day - 21 News Now, More Local News for Youngstown, Ohio -

BOARDMAN, Ohio - It was a day of support and protests at a restaurant chain that has become a symbol in a controversial political issue.

Lines of cars wrapped around the Chick-fil-A in Boardman.

Its parking lot full, people waited nearly an hour in line during the national appreciation day.

Dan Cathy, the fast food chain's CEO, has come under fire for publicly stating the company's opposition to same-sex marriage.

Patron Donna McConnell of East Palestine says, "I think everybody has a right to freedom of speech and they should not be brought down because of that right. That's a right the Constitution gives everybody."

For an hour, protestors with Youngstown Pride practiced their freedom of speech saying the CEO's "opinion" is reflected in where the company's corporate dollars are donated. Anita Davis says the issue of gay rights has been going on for years with the company, pointing to its application process.

"Their applications at one time asked you for your gender and asked you for your relationship. And they ask for the gender of the person that you're in a relationship with."

There were only two protestors. But people came by to show their support, including a gay soldier.

Chris Hetrick drove in from Warren when he heard this was happening. "You're playing with people's lives. You're not playing with a sexual identity."

Two different views holding a firm belief they are in the right.