ATLANTA (AP) -- A Georgia-based restaurant chain that drew national attention when its owner reaffirmed his opposition to same-sex marriage says it's leaving the debate to politicians in the future.

Chick-fil-A issued a statement to that effect Wednesday when asked to comment on a claim earlier in the day that the company had stopped funding organizations that oppose same-sex marriage.

Chicago Alderman Joe Moreno announced the alleged policy change, which he said followed extended negotiations. He said as a result, he would no longer try to block a Chick-fil-A restaurant from opening in his district.

The company declined to comment beyond a statement saying it planned "to leave the policy debate over same-sex marriage to the government and political arena."

Anti-gay groups listed as recipients of funds in the past declined to comment.

AP-WF-09-19-12 2250GMT