Washington state judge rules against florist who refused gay wedding

[aggiesal]

Source: Reuters

(Reuters) - A judge in Washington state on Wednesday ruled that a florist who refused to sell flower arrangements for a gay couple's wedding violated state anti-discrimination law, court records show.

Florist Barronelle Stutzman was sued by both the state Attorney General Bob Ferguson and the couple, Robert Ingersoll and Curt Freed, in 2013.

The pair were longtime customers of Stutzman's Richland business, Arlene's Flowers, and asked her to provide decorations for their wedding following the state's legalization of same-sex marriage.

Stutzman maintained that her Christian beliefs prevented her from selling flowers for the same-sex wedding, "because of (her) relationship with Jesus Christ," according to court documents.

"Confirming the enactment of same-sex marriage, there would eventually be a direct and insoluble conflict between Stutzman's religiously motivated conduct and the laws of the state of Washington," Benton County Superior Court Judge Alexander Ekstrom said in his 60-page opinion.

...

Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/02/19/us-usa-washington-gaymarriage-idUSKBN0LN0B520150219

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Need I say more?

[BlueJazz]

1. I Love it!

[jberryhill]

2. Unless Jesus was one of the people getting married...

...then I can't see how her relationship with Jesus enters into the picture of whether she can sell flowers to them.

[aggiesal]

4. I agree, ...

We have a secular government.

The florists' have to understand that it's OK to have their relation with Jesus,
but even Jesus, said "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's"

i.e. If you want the benefits that the tax base gives you (roads, water, ...)
that allows you to make a profit and a living, then everyone that gives to
Caesar (government) is entitled to your service.

I think they tend to forget that.

[uppityperson]

3. "While religious beliefs are protected by the First Amendment, actions based on those beliefs....

"While religious beliefs are protected by the First Amendment, actions based on those beliefs aren’t necessarily protected, he said. "
http://seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2025728983_judgewashingtonfloristwhorefusedgayweddingbrokelaw1888xml.html

[ProudToBeBlueInRhody]

5. So, what's the punishment?

I mean, aside from the fact any rational person shouldn't patronize this business again?

These lawsuits make little sense to me. Spread the word, boycott, and patronize progressive businesses. I don't want assholes to be forced to take my money.

[blkmusclmachine]

6. Lots more here:

http://joemygod.blogspot.com/2015/02/washington-anti-gay-florist-found.html#disqus_thread

[christx30]

7. I don't understand reusing to

make a floral arrangment or bake a cake. "Jesus will hate me and send me to hell for making the bouquet."
Why not just do your job, take the money, and move on with your life? The wedding is not about the church, and it's sure as hell not about you. Get over yourself.

That said, I don't understand suing if someone doesn't want to do the work for you. These days there are services all over the place. If someone doesn't want your money, give it to someone else.

[BrotherIvan]

8. So what about Hobby Lobby and SC sanctioned religious nuttery?

I'm glad this judge wasn't such a nut. And Mrs. Stutzman had better go back and read her Bible where Jesus didn't say anything about being gay.

[niyad]

9. so it was okay to take their money when they were only living together?

[Elmer S. E. Dump]

10. Holier than thou piece of shit.

From the fair and balanced Fox News (sic) dot com:

"Waggoner is referring to the Attorney General’s decision to seek legal fees and penalties not only against Arlene’s Flower shop - but also Stutzman personally.

The law allows for penalties of up to $2,000 per violation — and Waggoner said the flower shop has been inundated with requests to provide flowers to gay weddings. Each one of those requests would be a violation, she said.

“Every time someone comes in you get tagged with a $2,000 fine,” she said. “They’re setting her up.”

And should they lose the appeal, there’s a very real chance Stutzman could lose her home."

BWAHAHAHA!! Come'on all you gay marriers, tell her to bake you a cake - and make sure she knows you are GAY!!!!

[mwrguy]

11. I hope she dies penniless

Sue her into oblivion.