ATLANTA - Chick-fil-A President Dan Cathy has voiced his support for "Biblical families" in one of his first interviews since his earlier comments caused controversy regarding gay marriage.

Cathy told Atlanta's WXIA-TV that families are important to "all of us that are concerned about being able to hang on to the heritage that we have." He added, "We support Biblical families who have always been a part of that."

Cathy made the comments over the weekend at an event at his family's Georgia ranch.

Cathy set off a furor this summer, when he reaffirmed his opposition to same-sex marriage. Long lines formed outside Chick-fil-A restaurants on an "appreciation day" and opponents countered with "kiss-ins" by same-sex couples.

His father, S. Truett Cathy, started the Atlanta-based company in 1967.