The Patriot Post® · Florist Won't Betray Beliefs

Barronelle Stutzman is the Washington florist who stands to lose everything for politely declining to cater a same-sex wedding. She had previously served the customers in question, but she drew the line at condoning the ceremony. So naturally, the state’s attorney general stepped in to sue her for discrimination. But first, he offered her a deal: Pay 30 pieces of silver a $2,000 fine, $1 for fees and costs, and never discriminate again. No thanks, Stutzman said; she has no interest in playing the part of Judas the betrayer. In a letter to the AG, she wrote, “Since 2012, same-sex couples all over the state have been free to act on their beliefs about marriage, but because I follow the Bible’s teaching that marriage is the union of one man and one woman, I am no longer free to act on my beliefs. … I kindly served (Ingersoll) for nearly a decade and would gladly continue to do so. I truly want the best for my friend. I’ve also employed and served many members of the LGBT community, and I will continue to do so regardless of what happens with this case. You chose to attack my faith and pursue this not simply as a matter of law, but to threaten my very means of working, eating and having a home. If you are serious about clarifying the law, then I urge you to drop your claims against my home, business and other assets and pursue the legal claims through the appeal process.” She countersued the state. Let’s hope she prevails.