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http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/j...e-law-29065394
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2015...-her-business/
Judge: Washington Florist Who Refused Gay Wedding Broke Law
RICHLAND, Wash. — Feb 18, 2015, 9:12 PM ET
Associated Press
A florist in Washington state who refused to provide flowers to a gay couple for their wedding violated state consumer protection and anti-discrimination law, a judge ruled Wednesday.
Benton County Superior Court Judge Alex Ekstrom rejected arguments from the owner of Arlene's Flowers in Richland that her actions were protected by her freedoms of speech and religion. While religious beliefs are protected by the First Amendment, actions based on those beliefs aren't necessarily protected, he said.
"For over 135 years, the Supreme Court has held that laws may prohibit religiously motivated action, as opposed to belief," Ekstrom wrote. "The Courts have confirmed the power of the Legislative Branch to prohibit conduct it deems discriminatory, even where the motivation for that conduct is grounded in religious belief."
RICHLAND, Wash. — Feb 18, 2015, 9:12 PM ET
Associated Press
A florist in Washington state who refused to provide flowers to a gay couple for their wedding violated state consumer protection and anti-discrimination law, a judge ruled Wednesday.
Benton County Superior Court Judge Alex Ekstrom rejected arguments from the owner of Arlene's Flowers in Richland that her actions were protected by her freedoms of speech and religion. While religious beliefs are protected by the First Amendment, actions based on those beliefs aren't necessarily protected, he said.
"For over 135 years, the Supreme Court has held that laws may prohibit religiously motivated action, as opposed to belief," Ekstrom wrote. "The Courts have confirmed the power of the Legislative Branch to prohibit conduct it deems discriminatory, even where the motivation for that conduct is grounded in religious belief."
The organization argues that Stutzman did not discriminate against Ingersoll and his partner Curt Freed, as she had served Ingersoll numerous times in the past. Additionally, the firm claims that it is improper to personally hold Stutzman liable.
“Barronelle and numerous others like her around the country have been more than willing to serve any and all customers, but they are not willing to promote any and all messages,” Alliance Defending Freedom attorney Kristen Waggoner said, according to the Christian Broadcasting Network.
She added, “A government that forces any American to create a message contrary to her own convictions and surrender her livelihood is a government every American should fear.”
“Barronelle and numerous others like her around the country have been more than willing to serve any and all customers, but they are not willing to promote any and all messages,” Alliance Defending Freedom attorney Kristen Waggoner said, according to the Christian Broadcasting Network.
She added, “A government that forces any American to create a message contrary to her own convictions and surrender her livelihood is a government every American should fear.”
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