Richland florist denies bouquets for gay wedding
RICHLAND, Wash. - Whether you think it's right or wrong, you have an opinion - and a Richland florist is voicing hers. The owner of Arlene's Flowers refused to supply flowers for a gay wedding.
Action News spoke to owner Barronelle Stutzman Tuesday. She told us she stands by her conviction to Christ. Stutzman says it's that spiritual relationship that forced her to deny a repeat customer's request for wedding flowers. She says she didn't feel right having her flowers used for a same-sex wedding.
Hundreds of comments have been posted on the Facebook page for Arlene's Flowers. Stutzman posted herself, explaining the decision.
Despite the heat, Stutzman isn't backing down from her decision -- and understands if people choose not to get bouquets from Arlene's flowers based on that. It's also likely some people will purposely choose to patronize the shop now, based on the same conviction.
Editor's Note: When this story was first published, we said Stutzman is within her legal right to refuse service to anyone. We later learned the state says she is not legally allowed to. Sexual orientation is considered a protected class and you cannot discriminate against a protected class in Washington.
Action News spoke to owner Barronelle Stutzman Tuesday. She told us she stands by her conviction to Christ. Stutzman says it's that spiritual relationship that forced her to deny a repeat customer's request for wedding flowers. She says she didn't feel right having her flowers used for a same-sex wedding.
Hundreds of comments have been posted on the Facebook page for Arlene's Flowers. Stutzman posted herself, explaining the decision.
Despite the heat, Stutzman isn't backing down from her decision -- and understands if people choose not to get bouquets from Arlene's flowers based on that. It's also likely some people will purposely choose to patronize the shop now, based on the same conviction.
Editor's Note: When this story was first published, we said Stutzman is within her legal right to refuse service to anyone. We later learned the state says she is not legally allowed to. Sexual orientation is considered a protected class and you cannot discriminate against a protected class in Washington.
Feel so bad for this couple :( I got my wedding flowers from Afloral.com http://www.afloral.com/Silk-Wedding-Flowers, and I couldn't be happier!!
How could a newspaper not look at the law before writing a valentine article about this woman. Why isnt the disclaimer now the title? Why isnt the article about why a business owner does NOT have a right to refuse anybody when the law clearly says its illegal? Talk about yellow journalism.
Homosexuality is not another race. It is a deliberate choice. Â It is immorality just like adultery, child molestation, etc. Â It is what God gives a person who desires it so badly. Â The result of consequencial wrath (Romans 1). Â That doesn't mean he blesses it or accepts it. Â Homosexuals can repent. Â God grants repentance. Â I don't know where you people get the idea of acceptance. Â Jesus takes the sinner and transforms us. Â It would be cruel to leave us as we are.
@Al & Barb The place sells flowers, get a grip.
I am continually amazed at the accusations that those who do not agree with the gay/lezbian lifestyle are labelled as being afraid or mean and nasty. Â Yet when I even look at the comments I see nothing but slander coming from them. Â We do not have to agree with homosexuality. Â No one does. Â Instead of simply looking for another shop to get flowers from, these people had to make sure that this lady's name was smeared all over the news. Â This is called slander and it comes from hatred.Â
it's simple, redneck-marriage in the US has ALWAYS been civil-not religious at all. Marriage predates all religions by thousands of years-so anyone against a CIVIL equality is a bigot-get it? now keep your god nonsense to yourself, sheep
"John 13:33-35
King James Version (KJV)
33: Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you.
***34: A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.***
***35: By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.***"
Regarding the religious part of this decision: A true conviction to Christ is to follow His (Jesus') teachings. Jesus did not teach us to reject others, quite the opposite! The conviction the florist is referring to is from the Old Testament of the Bible which is often brought forward as a major focal of many modern Christian teachings. The fact is that Jusus taught many things that refuted Old Testament teachings. He offered a better way. A true Christian follows the ways and teachings of Jesus Christ and does not use their "relationship with Christ" as a justification for acting in conflict with His very teachings. Regarding the business decision: Obviously this florist has more business than she needs to turn down a large contract for a loyal ongoing customer. As a business person, it's hard to understand this...I guess she just doesn't need the money that bad.
Can't be refused service for sexual orientation. Ignorant "news" station. Bigoted florist. And now ... the LAW.Â
RCW 49.60.030 Freedom from discrimination â Declaration of civil rights.
(f) The right to engage in commerce free from any discriminatory boycotts or blacklists. Discriminatory boycotts or blacklists for purposes of this section shall be defined as the formation or execution of any express or implied agreement, understanding, policy or contractual arrangement for economic benefit between any persons ... which is required or imposed, either directly or indirectly, overtly or covertly ... in order to restrict, condition, prohibit, or interfere with or in order to exclude any person or persons from any business relationship on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, honorably discharged veteran or military status, SEXUAL ORIENTATION ...."Â
RCW 49.60.040 Definitions.(26) "Sexual orientation" means heterosexuality, homosexuality, bisexuality, and gender expression or identity.
Stutzman puts Richland on the map as another bigoted, backwoods buffoon.Â
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Why does this story interview only one side? Â The customers are NOT happy with this business owner's decision, yet your story accepts the business owner's claim that they are. Â
Sloppy journalism. Â Spins it only one way. Â See your competitor's story, who actually got BOTH sides on tape: Â http://www.kndu.com/story/21528621/richland-florist-refuses-to-serve-gay-wedding-customer
I have looked into the statement in your article "Stuzma is within her legal right to refuse service to anyone." This apperas to be in contradiction of WA state law, specifically:
RCW 49.60.030
Freedom from discrimination -- Declaration of civil rights.
(1) The right to be free from discrimination because of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability is recognized as and declared to be a civil right. This right shall include, but not be limited to:
(a) The right to obtain and hold employment without discrimination;
The statute clearly lists sexual orientation as being protected and while it lists several additional specific examples including:
(b) The right to the full enjoyment of any of the accommodations, advantages, facilities, or privileges of any place of public resort, accommodation, assemblage, or amusement;
If you don't believe a flower shop is inclused then please note above where the statute states "This right shall include, but not be limited to:" which means selling flowers falls under this statute.
It says in the Bible , not lay down with your own kind, I believe what the Bible says , not what people want it to say. We will know the truth when the right time comes.
cherry-the bible was written by men-and women MUST be silent around men per the bible so please shut your mouth
This is Old Testament, not the teachings of Jesus which the florist uses as justification. Perhaps one should ask themselves "what would Jesus do?", not "what does my religion preach?" in order to find the right way to handle a situation. They answer may very well be different if true reflection is used.
http://www.witnessfortheworld.org/homont.html
not so subtle slant kepr. bet you felt like you had to cover this story even though you didn't want to. how about including a fb link to the comment war being fought all over arlene's flowers fb page?
I believe that everyone is entitled to their opinion, but when a person claims to be a "Christian" then I believe they should behave as one. Â It is my belief that God would like us all to be treated as equals and to have love in your heart. I don't believe this is what being a GOOD Christian is all about.
Is it within her legal right to refuse to serve black people, ot Jewish people? I am just trying to clarify the law.
While I know it is her right to refuse service and her opinion it still hurts me to see people behave like this toward a part of our society that has long been denied equal rights
its actually not-she cannot refuse on the basis of religion, race, gender or orientation-she will go down for her hatred!
Stand by your convection !!!!! Your shop, your flowers until purchased !!!!
No, Lonnie-so ignorant-why do ignorant religious sheep not know the law? she has lost this case-a business must follow the anti-discrimination laws in the state-sorry redneck
@Lonnie Dittemore
I think she would rather stand by her conviction than convection (isn't that an oven?)
I almost bet we can correlate spelling inadequacy with bigotry  (I could almost guarantee they go hand in hand)
Stories like this not only discriminate but tell the little 12 year old boy or girl in school silently or openly struggling with being gay that they are lessor and that it's wrong. Do you think someone would kill themselves over a "choice"? REALLY?
@seattlenerd @Lonnie DittemoreÂ
There is a study that correlates intelligence to prejudice, racism and conservatism. Those who are the latter are found to have a lower IQ.Â
And this woman did not certainly stand by her convictions. This woman sold these men flowers for years and only recently objected. She's a hypocrite and this article is so one sided I am surprised it can be called journalism.Â