Controversy-fueled restaurant company Chick-fil-A has reportedly found a loophole to break the promise on donating to anti-gay causes.

On 19 September, Chicago Alderman Proco ‘Joe’ Moreno claimed Chick-fil-A would stop funding conservative groups.

Chick-fil-A responded to Moreno’s claims with a statement of their own, which defended their donations as being ‘mischaracterized’.

It said: ‘A part of our corporate commitment is to be responsible stewards of all that God has entrusted to us.

‘Because of this commitment, Chick-fil-A's giving heritage is focused on programs that educate youth, strengthen families and enrich marriages, and support communities.

‘We will continue to focus our giving in those areas. Our intent is not to support political or social agendas.’

Chick-fil-A released an internal memo yesterday (20 September), saying there were committed to treating gay people with ‘honor, dignity and respect.’

On its own Facebook page, comments poured in from customers who said the fast food chain has abandoned its Christian beliefs.

One customer wrote [sic]: ‘Now it's giving in to and backing down on their stand for man/woman marriage biblical marriage. What will it be next?

‘Even though I don't care much for the food.. I was really impressed that they closed on Sundays and stood up for biiblical marriage, but everytime they give in it's just another win for Satan. So sad!!!!’

Human Rights Campaign also criticized the memo, saying: ‘CfA offers their LGBT employees nothing but platitudes; they certainly don’t offer them any benefits or protections.’

The Advocate has also pointed out the company hosted a fundraiser this week on behalf of the Marriage and Family Foundation (MFF).

Instead of directly collecting the money, the company’s WinShape Foundation asked participants of a fundraising event ‘Ride for Family’ to send money directly to the MFF.

The group was not only founded by a member of the Cathy family that created Chick-fil-A, but also shares the same address with Chick-fil-A headquarters in Atlanta.

In 2010, Chick-fil-A gave around $2 million to groups, including to certified hate group Family Research Council, who oppose same-sex marriage.