After an initial ruffling of feathers over a national chicken chain’s planned presence at the Denver International Airport, a Denver City Council committee on Tuesday gave the preliminary OK for its lease.

The Business Development Committee’s unanimous approval for a Chick-fil-A franchise lease came two weeks after an initial approval attempt stalled following a discussion involving the privately held, Christian faith-based food chain’s stance against gay marriage.

Some council members recalled comments made in 2012 by Chick-fil-A executive Dan Cathy after it was learned the company had been making political donations to groups that hold anti-gay marriage platforms.

Cathy has since expressed regrets over his comments, and the fast-food chain has curbed its political donations in recent years.

Councilors said at an Aug. 18 committee hearing that they wanted more information about employee discrimination protections before moving forward with the airport concession proposal.

But the stall set off a national media firestorm. And some of the national coverage erroneously reported that the lease proposal had been upended over gay-marriage politics.

“I hate that Fox News and MSNBC, they’re talking about all these discrimination issues, which are important, but were falsely reported,” said committee Chairman Albus Brooks.

“This is a little bit like sausage making,” Brooks said of the committee process. “So we have the opportunity to ask questions. We have held things in committee before. It does not mean we’re not going to approve something.”

The committee voted 5-0 to advance the proposal following a short meeting. The lease is expected to be approved by the full council.

Council members who initially voiced concerns say they are now comfortable after learning more about the various employee protections in place. They feel that state and city laws – as well as employee policies by the concession partnership that will operate the franchise – will help shield franchise workers from discrimination.

Councilwoman Robin Kniech, who is gay, said she has “no concerns over moving this forward.” Concessions International, an Atlanta-based group that will be the franchise’s majority operating partner, she said, has “a really strong non-discrimination policy and are providing benefits to same-sex spouses.”

Kniech also noted that the business will have to comply with state and city non-discrimination laws.

Kniech expressed concerns at the Aug. 18 hearing that Chick-fil-A profits would “fund and fuel discrimination.” Other council members voiced similar fears.

But several council members softened their tone in a joint statement issued the day after The Denver Post reported on the hearing. In the statement, the members wrote they were in the process of examining “all the policies and practices involved…”

Once approved, the franchise will receive a 7-year contract to operate at DIA. The business is expected to generate $4.1 million in first-year sales, resulting in $164,000 in annual sales tax revenue. The franchise is expected to hire 40 employees to work at the DIA location.

“I’m of the belief we should have moved this out two weeks ago,” said Council President Chris Herndon.

Councilman Paul Lopez had also previously expressed qualms over Chick-fil-A’s marriage-equality position. He ended up voting in favor of the lease but said it was important for committee members to have conversations around discrimination issues.

“I know that comments were made, especially from me, that are concerning – absolutely concerning,” he said. “And they have to do with the equality of folks who call our city home. And these are things that we have to bring up.”

“Does this mean that the contract doesn’t move forward? No. But they are issues that deserve to be brought up.”

– Twitter: @VicVela1