A Richland, Washington florist is being sued by Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson for refusing to supply floral arrangements for a gay wedding.
From the Seattle Times:
The lawyer for a Richland florist being sued for refusing to provide flowers for a gay marriage says he hopes to move the lawsuit to federal court as a First Amendment case.
Attorney Justin D. Bristol says the case is about freedom of speech and freedom of religion, not discrimination.
Well, no. Freedom of speech allows you to speak out against gay marriage without fear of government sanction. In Washington, the First Amendment doesn't allow you to discriminate against gays any more than it allows you to deny service to someone for being black, Muslim, or a mixed race couple. Washington State law includes sexual orientation in its anti-discrimination law along with race, creed, color, religion, national origin, etc. Gay marriage is legal in Washington State. Denying service based upon sexual orientation is a clear violation of State law. This was the first wedding turned down by Arlene's Flowers and Gifts in 37 years. She did so based solely upon sexual orientation. The right to free speech is not a right to violate anti-discrimination laws.
Raw Story reports:
“He (Ingersoll) said he decided to get married and before he got through I grabbed his hand and said, ‘I am sorry. I can’t do your wedding because of my relationship with Jesus Christ,’” said Stutzman.
Funny. I attended a gay wedding last weekend. It was presided over by seven pastors of multiple denominations, all of which I presume have a relationship with Jesus Christ. What, pray tell, does a relationship with Jesus Christ have to do with it? Where did Jesus ever say anything about gays? He frequently admonished the rich. "It would be easier to pass a camel through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God". I am certain Ms. Stutzman would do backflips for a billionaire if he/she asked her to supply flowers for a wedding.
More from Raw Story:
Ferguson’s office filed the complaint in Benton Country Superior Court, not just asking for compliance in the Ingersoll case, but requesting a permanent injunction forcing Arlene’s to provide services without discrimination. Each violation of the rules would result in a $2,000 fine against the shop.
Stutzman's attorney is determined to try this in Federal court. Don't be surprised if this case makes it all the way to the US Supreme Court. This is one to watch. Kudos to AG Ferguson for drawing a line in the sand and enforcing State anti-discrimination law. Anything less would be tacit State sanctioning of bigotry and discrimination.