$100k raised for florist which refused to provide gay wedding flowers
Supporters of a florist which refused to provide flowers for a gay couple’s wedding have raised over $100,000 (£67,300) to pay the owners’ legal fees.
A ruling was made by Benton County Superior Court Judge Alexander C Ekstrom in February, who said the florist, Arlene’s Flowers, violated consumer protections in saying she would not sell flowers to the longtime customer for their wedding due to her religious beliefs.
Baronelle Stutzman was last month fined $1,000, and $1 for court costs, but the couple are seeking fees and damages.
“The 70-year-old grandmother may lose her business, her home, and her savings – because she stood for her faith, she could lose everything she owns,” the site reads.
Judge Ekstrom said the couple were protected by the state of Washington’s Law Against Discrimination.
The law bans discrimination based on sexual orientation.
Robert Ingersoll and his partner, Curt Freed married in 2013, but had been customers at the florist for almost ten years.
Stutzman told them she wouldn’t provide wedding flowers because of her “relationship with Jesus Christ.”
