Florist Sued for Refusing Service to Gay Couple Pens Defiant Letter Rejecting Gov’t Settlement Offer

[bendog]

A Christian florist who was sued and found guilty of discrimination after refusing to provide flowers for a same-sex wedding isn’t planning on backing down, recently issuing a defiant letter rejecting a settlement agreement and revealing plans to appeal her case.

After Barronelle Stutzman, 70, declined a $2,001 settlement offer in a letter to the state’s attorney general on Friday, her attorney, Kristen Waggoner, senior counsel of the Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative legal firm, told TheBlaze on Monday that a judge’s decision that Stutzman violated anti-discrimination law will be challenged in the state court system.

As previously reported, Benton County Superior Court Judge Alex Ekstrom decided last week that Barronelle Stutzman violated Washington’s Law Against Discrimination and Consumer Protection Act when she refused service to Robert Ingersoll and his partner, Curt Freed.

The state subsequently offered a settlement in which Waggoner would only need to pay a $2,000 fine and $1 in legal fees and commit to offering flowers for gay and straight weddings, alike, if she continues providing matrimony services, the Daily Mail reported.



But the florist declined the offer, with Waggoner telling TheBlaze that nothing new or protective was afforded to her client.

“Attorney General [Bob Ferguson] has relentlessly pursued her personal and professional ruin because she will not celebrate same-sex marriage. His settlement proposal offered nothing new,” she said. “The attorney general continues to pursue her business and personal assets unless she agrees to stop designing wedding arrangements and providing wedding support services for all weddings.”

Waggoner said that the government continues to send a message that artists like Stutzman will be punished if they do not embrace gay relationships.

“The government’s message is the same: as an artist, you must use your heart, mind, and hands to promote same-sex marriage or you will lose everything,” Waggoner said.

The attorney’s comments come after Stutzman penned a response letter to Ferguson, rejecting his offer and defending her religious beliefs. In it, she wrote that it has been “exhausting” to be at the center of the controversy over the past two years and said that she never imagined that her “God-given talents and abilities” would become illegal if she refused to use them to serve same-sex weddings.

“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,” she wrote.

Stutzman specifically took aim at Ferguson’s settlement offer, claiming that it shows that he truly doesn’t understand her intention to defend her religious liberty.

“Your offer reveals that you don’t really understand me or what this conflict is all about. It’s about freedom, not money,” she wrote. “I certainly don’t relish the idea of losing my business, my home, and everything else that your lawsuit threatens to take from my family, but my freedom to honor God in doing what I do best is more important.”

Stutzman continued, “Washington’s constitution guarantees us ‘freedom of conscience in all matters of religious sentiment.’ I cannot sell that precious freedom. You are asking me to walk in the way of a well-known betrayer, one who sold something of infinite worth for 30 pieces of silver. That is something I will not do.”

Read the letter in its entirety below:

Dear Mr. Ferguson,

Thank you for reaching out and making an offer to settle your case against me.

As you may imagine, it has been mentally and emotionally exhausting to be at the center of this controversy for nearly two years. I never imagined that using my God-given talents and abilities, and doing what I love to do for over three decades, would become illegal. Our state would be a better place if we respected each other’s differences, and our leaders protected the freedom to have those differences. 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.

Your offer reveals that you don’t really understand me or what this conflict is all about. It’s about freedom, not money. I certainly don’t relish the idea of losing my business, my home, and everything else that your lawsuit threatens to take from my family, but my freedom to honor God in doing what I do best is more important. Washington’s constitution guarantees us “freedom of conscience in all matters of religious sentiment.” I cannot sell that precious freedom. You are asking me to walk in the way of a well-known betrayer, one who sold something of infinite worth for 30 pieces of silver. That is something I will not do.

I pray that you reconsider your position. I kindly served Rob 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. Thanks again for writing and I hope you will consider my offer.

Sincerely,

Barronelle Stutzman

Waggoner said that the letter was meant to affirm that Stutzman will not be giving up by surrendering her freedom for money.

“In what world is $2,001 a good deal for surrendering your freedom?” Waggoner said.

Florist Sued for Refusing Service to Gay Couple Pens Defiant Letter Rejecting Gov t Settlement Offer and Her Attorney Reveals What s Next TheBlaze.com

I have a wonderful solution.....arrange to have all businesses that SHE wants to buy from refuse to serve her due to her Christianity.....grocery store? Sorry. Bank? Nope. Clothing Store? Sorry, we don't serve your kind. Etc. Let's see how long that lasts.

Go ahead and try and arrange that....so stupid.

It's not stupid and calling other people stupid isn't exactly effective communication. I disagree with the law, and think it better policy to encourage businesses who say "we appreciate everyone's biz." But, it's not logically possible to even pretend the Florist's motivation is anything other than making her public statement that she disagrees the people in same sex unions. To defend the florist, you have to argue that people have a right to intentionally act to try and belittle or devalue other humans. Personally, that's not a hill I'd pick to die upon.

 

[bodecea]

bigotry is sad. luckily it's dying out.

If only it would on the left side of the aisle also

example?

Example of what? Bigotry from the left? Start with religion.

what about it?

The moment you or anyone else attacks my religion or belief in God you become a bigot.

bigot:
noun
1.
a person who is utterly intolerant of any differing creed, belief, or opinion.

So then...the moment you or anyone else attacks MY religion or belief you become a bigot.....you bigot.

 

[PaintMyHouse]

So, your religious convictions don't help you in the workplace. Does that mean we can sue if a Muslim refuses to put bacon on our sandwich? Or can a company fire a Muslim who refuses to handle pork? Can people sue if Muslim cab drivers refuse rides to those with seeing eye dogs, drunks or Jews?

Good luck in getting a halal restaurant to cater a bar mitzvah.

They don't need to, they don't do Kosher.

 

[PaintMyHouse]

So, your religious convictions don't help you in the workplace. Does that mean we can sue if a Muslim refuses to put bacon on our sandwich? Or can a company fire a Muslim who refuses to handle pork? Can people sue if Muslim cab drivers refuse rides to those with seeing eye dogs, drunks or Jews?

Good luck in getting a halal restaurant to cater a bar mitzvah.

If they dont you can sue.

You can always sue, but you won't win.

 

[Uncensored2008]

So, a guy paints a picture, puts it up for sale, and then a fag tries to buy it and the guy says no, I don't sell to fags? Yeah, ain't gonna happen. In business the only criteria that matters is whether the check clears.

A guy take a picture of a young boy at the swimming pool and puts the picture up for sale. A good democrat in a NAMBLA shirt comes in and wants to buy it. The guy says "No, I won't allow this to be used for sexual exploitation." Does the party have the right to force him to serve the interests of child molesters? NAMBLA is a loyal voting block for the party.

 

[Ravi]

Pornographers aren't covered as a group that can't be discriminated against in that state.

You missed the point. Really badly too. You asked where it was in the Bible, RETARD.

No, you missed the point. You said she couldn't be forced to do something against her religion. There is nothing in the bible that prohibits her from arranging flowers for a gay wedding. Not to mention that she volunteered to follow local laws when she decided to be a florist.

Though thanks for this little back and forth. It is against her religion to lie, and that is exactly what she's done by agreeing to abide by local laws and then playing the religion card.

That's stupid. She was supposed to close shop the second she heard gay marriage passed? Laws are challenged all the time, sometimes successfully. And she would have won, should have won. Like I said, use your brain, the Bible doesn't say not to set up a pornographer convention, it would bother most Christians, especially conservatives.

I don't agree with ANY forced association laws but the irony is the same assholes that challenged the laws to force homosexual marriage on us are the same assholes that are saying it's the law, deal with it. No finer example of hypocrisy exists.

Damn. What the bible says doesn't matter when it comes to non-discrimination law. Unless a part of her religion states that she may not sell floral arrangements to gay people. There is no such bible passage.

Like there isn't about pornographers. To you it's all a big coincidence that so many Christians oppose something that "isn't in the Bible". You can't connect any dots.

Again, pornographers aren't protected by anti-discrimination laws. I really can't figure out if you are a dim as you come across or just a hack.

 

[g5000]

If you run a STRAIGHTS ONLY florist, what kind of sign are you going to put on the window?

 

[Nosmo King]

What about her and her attitude suggests "Good Christian"?

 

[Dana7360]

When a person gets a business license they fill out forms with the state. One of those forms says that the business owner will comply with all of the laws of the state.

That's a lie. I've been in business here 28+ years and never saw any such paperwork. Lying, smearing and slander is the militant's MO.

Did you apply for a city business license or a state business license?

 

[Ravi]

Christians are protected by the same law.

Christians are hated by the party - they have no protection and no rights.

The florist couldn't legally discriminate against a Christian because the person was a Christian.

It's funny that you have to lie.

 

[Flash]

The bigots want STRAIGHTS ONLY bakeries and florists and lunch counters.

They will need a sign like this one:

What is wrong with that?

Don't you believe in freedom?

Why right does the filthy ass government have to tell me who I must to do business with? Why does the filthy ass government tell me who I have to serve or sell my house to or employ or not fire?

If I don't want to have anything to do with queers or Negroes or whoever that is my business and the government needs to stay out of it.

 

[g5000]

A straight florist. Who would believe it?

 

[PaintMyHouse]

So, a guy paints a picture, puts it up for sale, and then a fag tries to buy it and the guy says no, I don't sell to fags? Yeah, ain't gonna happen. In business the only criteria that matters is whether the check clears.

A guy take a picture of a young boy at the swimming pool and puts the picture up for sale. A good democrat in a NAMBLA shirt comes in and wants to buy it. The guy says "No, I won't allow this to be used for sexual exploitation." Does the party have the right to force him to serve the interests of child molesters? NAMBLA is a loyal voting block for the party.

One, to sell a picture you need to rights to it or the person is a public figure. Two, if you sell pictures then you sell to any and all takers.

 

[mikegriffith1]

More anti-Christian bigotry and intolerance from the gay rights lobby. If you know that servicing your ceremony will be morally offensive to the florist, then, sheesh, just go use another florist! Live and let live! Show some tolerance and respect for others' views. The florist isn't trying to stop you from getting "married"--he just does not want to be a party to it.

Now, if he were the only florist in town, that would be a different story, but I'm sure such is not the case in this instance.

 

[bodecea]

She sounds like an old crank.

I'd be cranky also if the homos and state attacked my business

No one has attacked her business.

Ugh...yeah right. The homos couldn't find a homo florist? Yeaaahh right

She should also put a big sign outside stating that she doesn't serve gays.

 

[bendog]

What about her and her attitude suggests "Good Christian"?

There you go. And the law isn't demanding anyone approve of same sex unions, just to keep their disapproval to themselves. In a sense, it's state enforced good manners. But, good manners aren't something worth complaining about, imo. The florist is a bully. I ain't crying for her.

 

[Ravi]

So, your religious convictions don't help you in the workplace. Does that mean we can sue if a Muslim refuses to put bacon on our sandwich? Or can a company fire a Muslim who refuses to handle pork? Can people sue if Muslim cab drivers refuse rides to those with seeing eye dogs, drunks or Jews?

No, a Muslim can refuse to sell pork just like a florist can refuse to cater to weddings. A muslim can't refuse to sell products it offers to a Christian. A florist cannot refuse to sell a product it offers to a gay couple.

Yes, a muslim can be fired if he refuses to handle pork when that is part of his job description.

Yes, people can sue muslims that refuse rides to those with seeing eye dogs, drunks or Jews.

 

[bodecea]

Im not sure im into businesses serving people they dont want to by force of the government.

If the theyre known bigots and enough people decide not to shop there as a result, theyll fail.

Thay all said, shes a despicable bigot. Fuck her

Yeah the homos sure showed Chik Fil La, eh? You idiots never win with that "boycott" BS. There isn't enough of you

Never stand between the right wing and their junk food.

 

[PaintMyHouse]

If I don't want to have anything to do with queers or Negroes or whoever that is my business and the government needs to stay out of it.

You now live in the wrong country then. When are you planning to move?

 

[Asclepias]

You missed the point. Really badly too. You asked where it was in the Bible, RETARD.

No, you missed the point. You said she couldn't be forced to do something against her religion. There is nothing in the bible that prohibits her from arranging flowers for a gay wedding. Not to mention that she volunteered to follow local laws when she decided to be a florist.

Though thanks for this little back and forth. It is against her religion to lie, and that is exactly what she's done by agreeing to abide by local laws and then playing the religion card.

That's stupid. She was supposed to close shop the second she heard gay marriage passed? Laws are challenged all the time, sometimes successfully. And she would have won, should have won. Like I said, use your brain, the Bible doesn't say not to set up a pornographer convention, it would bother most Christians, especially conservatives.

I don't agree with ANY forced association laws but the irony is the same assholes that challenged the laws to force homosexual marriage on us are the same assholes that are saying it's the law, deal with it. No finer example of hypocrisy exists.

Damn. What the bible says doesn't matter when it comes to non-discrimination law. Unless a part of her religion states that she may not sell floral arrangements to gay people. There is no such bible passage.

Like there isn't about pornographers. To you it's all a big coincidence that so many Christians oppose something that "isn't in the Bible". You can't connect any dots.

Again, pornographers aren't protected by anti-discrimination laws. I really can't figure out if you are a dim as you come across or just a hack.

Both

The bigots want STRAIGHTS ONLY bakeries and florists and lunch counters.

They will need a sign like this one:

What is wrong with that?

Don't you believe in freedom?

Why right does the filthy ass government have to tell me who I must to do business with? Why does the filthy ass government tell me who I have to serve or sell my house to or employ or not fire?

If I don't want to have anything to do with queers or Negroes or whoever that is my business and the government needs to stay out of it.

Its called the laws of doing business. If you cant hack it, dont open a business or move to your own planet where you make the rules..