A Christian florist in the US state of Washington has been found to be in breach of anti-discrimination laws for not supplying flowers for a same-sex wedding.
Despite mounting a defence under her rights to freedom of religion and expression, Baronelle Stutzman fell foul of Benton County Superior Court, which ruled that while the US Constitution protects religious beliefs, it does not necessarily extend such protection to actions arising from those beliefs. Explaining that the state has a duty, under its anti-discrimination legislation, to prevent incidences of discrimination, the court ruled that refusing to supply a service to a gay couple fell under that law and further ruled that Stutzman was liable for damages for her actions.
The judgement has been condemned by the Alliance Defending Freedom group, which accused legislators of negatively impacting people and faith-based businesses in pursuing cases such as Stutzman’s.
“The message of these rulings is unmistakable,” said Kristen Waggoner, a lawyer for the alliance. “The government will bring about your personal and professional ruin if you don’t help celebrate same-sex marriage.”
Alliance Defending Freedom added that Baronelle Stutzman now faces financial ruin and the loss of her business as a result of the judgement. It announced an intention to launch an appeal to the case on the florist’s behalf.