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Chick-fil-A's apparent decision to stop giving money to anti-gay groups and not engage in social or political debates has sparked another heated discussion -- and new backlash -- on its Facebook page from those who say the company has "caved in."

The report of the company's about-face comes from a Chicago rights lobby, The Civil Rights Agenda, that says Alderman Proco "Joe" Moreno has confirmed that the fast-food company will no longer give money to anti-gay organizations and has clarified in an internal document that it will "treat every person equally, regardless of sexual orientation."

The move comes two months after Chick-fil-A president Dan Cathy caused an uproar -- followed by boycotts and counter-boycotts -- by saying his company was "guilty as charged" of supporting the biblical definition of the family unit.

It also was enough to prompt Moreno to drop his opposition to the opening of a new Chick-fil-A restaurant in Chicago.

The Atlanta-based company, though, is largely keeping mum on the latest twist in the controversy.

The company reiterated a statement issued in July that says its tradition is "to treat every person with honor, dignity and respect â?? regardless of their belief, race, creed, sexual orientation or gender," NPR reports.

"We will continue this tradition in the over 1,600 Restaurants run by independent Owner/Operators," her statement says. "Going forward, our intent is to leave the policy debate over same-sex marriage to the government and political arena.

Its mission, the company says, is simple: "To serve great food, provide genuine hospitality and have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A."

Alderman Moreno is more explicit, saying that the company for the first time has put into writing its policies.

His office also said, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, that the company will put the statement in a document called "Chick-fil-A: Who We Are,""

While clearly trying to steer clear or more controversy, the company has nonetheless touched of a firestorm on its own Facebook page by people accusing them of caving in. Others praised the company new approach to the issue.

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