Lawyers for a Washington state florist have asked the state’s highest court to review a ruling that found her guilty of discrimination — and facing financial ruin — for not agreeing to make a floral arrangement for a gay customer’s wedding.
“Americans oppose unjust laws that strong-arm citizens to create expression against their will,” said Kristen Waggoner, an attorney with Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), who filed the request for review Monday at the Supreme Court for the State of Washington on behalf of Barronelle Stutzman, owner of Arlene’s Flowers in Richland, Washington.
The brief asks the high court to review the case with regard to religious liberty and determine whether Ms. Stutzman can be coerced by the state to associate with unwanted views in violation of her faith.
Ms. Stutzman was sued by the state attorney general for violating consumer protection and anti-discrimination laws after it learned she told longtime gay customer Robert Ingersoll that she couldn’t “do” his upcoming wedding to Curt Freed.
The gay couple, represented by attorneys with the American Civil Liberties Union, later joined the state in suing Ms. Stutzman.
More
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Laws supporting one group should not do so at the expense of another group!
ReplyDeleteBut it is the Dumbocrats way of thinking so it must be right and all must accept it
ReplyDeleteI'd say let them find a gay florist, they need the business too.
ReplyDeleteThis is the issue. Gays want "acceptance" and "tolerance".
ReplyDeleteThey don't want to GIVE any of it, though.