Why one Georgia florist won't serve gay couples

CNN's Gary Tuchman spoke with a Georgia florist who says she refuses to serve a gay couple and is adamant in her decision.

[@Aviationlord7742]

so if i set up a shop and refused to serve people because i am an atheist, could i get away with freedom of beliefs?

[@walsh9354]

It depends are you providing a religious service ? Flowers to a marriage is a religious custom

[@jackbauer6897]

Yes you should because its your business not the governments business!

[@Nick-jp7vc]

I guess

[@kintxro88]

Coming from an atheist, that business probably wouldn't do well because the vast majority of people are theists but yes it would be legal

[@kintxro88]

As in I'm an atheist, just to clarify

[@maxx1000]

Who's asking the baker to be 'besties' at the alter? Who's asking the florist to be the ring bearer? Who's asking the caterer to be mother of the groom? Who's asking the photographer to be officiate?

[@angieh4534]

Her business her choice.. your body your choice..His money his choice.. lol

[@pocus2740]

@@angieh4534 is her business still her choice when she’s refusing black people? Where the Jim Crow just their business?

[@JoshRimer]

"It's just a different kind of sin to me" Picking and choosing what to believe in the bible, as usual.

[@GodCreatesGays2]

Michael Carranza Your ignorance of the Bible, its terminology, and the history of marriage, is breathtaking.

[@PlzDieOKThxBye]

Michael Carranza good thing blasphemy isn't illegal in this country. your fables mean exactly nothing. your imaginary friend does not rule this nation.

[@theuglykwan]

Michael Carranza What was the penalty for disobedient children and adultery? Man cannot change gods laws so marriage has not changed in his eyes. To refuse service to them you have to first recognize their marriage. The irony.

[@timothyfuller2642]

PlzDieOKThxBye but HE did foretell all that is going on now.one more thing the HOLY BIBLE states that all that is bad will look good and all that good will look bad.

[@PlzDieOKThxBye]

Timothy Fuller amazing, a vague prophecy that has been true for thousands of years and will be just as true tomorrow! that's not prophecy. that's just a fact of life. people disagree on what they consider to be good just the same as people disagree on which fashion "looks good". that isn't proof of wisdom or clairevoyance. you don't need to be omniscient to see that and it certainly isn't a credit to the bible.

[@2MinSiChulMarkSon]

She's a "Cafeteria Christian". Wants to follow Old Testament that has nothing to do with Jesus and even then not properly follow that and just pick and chose what beliefs fit her outfit of the day.

[@MsPrettypinkpanther8]

Even Jesus spoke against homosexuality.

[@junegiovanni6475]

MsPrettypinkpanther8 oh stfu no he didn't, there is no real proof he said that....get the fuck out of here with your lies....its a book that has been rewritten meny times, so to don't know what he really said, because you weren't around back then. You don't know how he feels now. That books is all constructions and lies, and hate. We dont know if he really wrote anything or not in the book. He also supposedly spoke out against other stuff, like murder, rape, too. You can't nitpick and choose shit becAuse you are uncomfortable in your own skin you choose hate to hide behide your insecurities. Not everyone believe in the same shit you do. That's why it's America...we are allow to have different beliefs, Christians are the most hypocrital people, they are full of shit and hypocrisy. God never said shit about gay people nor did jesus.

[@reagan513]

@@junegiovanni6475 What the hell!

[@ThatBlackPiano]

@Dead Planet There's the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The Father spoke to Moses, child. Nice try though. Keep up with your studies in these trying times.

[@christianbrother4724]

If one believes in true freedom, a private business should be able to serve whomever they chose.

[@aarone9000]

So Like no one of color eh?!

[@aarone9000]

​@dale2156if you can be banned from a theater for falsely yelling fire; that sick brat can be banned for inciting to overthrow the country!

[@greybillingsley3721]

“How can you be a florist and not do business with the gays?” -Mickey Milkovich

[@PuffOfSmoke]

Tit for tat: if they refuse to serve because their hateful bigots and they are, no matter how they want to word it that they're not, just don't provide any services to them as well. Turn away the bigots from your stores. And I know a lot of corporations and small business will be happy to join in to shoo away these loathsome people. Let's see how they will feel about it.

[@jeffkoons001]

Puff Of Smoke And that's basically going to be the climate in these states: I hate you, and you hate me, and I'm not serving you, and you're not serving me. It's a miserable way to live and I'm sticking to the coasts-slash-civilization.

[@edgardeutchland3338]

You are a bigot for saying they are bigots. They are protecting their freedoms and I respect them for that and you should too. But oh wait, you're a liberal and you hate america. Nevermind. You don't know any better. Does mommy know you're on here? I think you should put the helmet back on and get on the tricycle.

[@leangtea3865]

Edgar Deutchland Why are you trying to kill free speech? They showed their hate, people are responding as they well have a right to. How un-American of you.

[@sage7774]

This reporter made such a terrible comparison. First of all, that lady is willing to serve someone who has been disrespectful to their parents because she herself is not going to be participating in that idea (the commandment of not obeying/ respecting parents). HOWEVER, IT'S DIFFERENT WHEN IT COMES TO GAY MARRIAGE; as if she is baking that cake, she will actively be involved in contributing to an ideology that she herself **respectfully** does not agree with. Honestly, it's not that hard to simply go to another bakery or flower shop etc. that is willing to provide for them. Stop forcing your beliefs on other people; America was founded on the principles of liberty and freedom and this situation completely goes against all the sacrifices made to establish this nation.

[@PuffOfSmoke]

@@jeffdixon3588 sex has nothing to do with this problem, it's the sexual identity of people that straight people hate. Learn to understand the difference before you open your ignorant mouth. It's been 7 years since this post and your awareness has been left in the past. Not surprised at all.

[@linuxrobotgeek]

You can be a bigot all you want, but you end up crossing the line when you decide to enact legislation that targets people you don't like. Look no further than the nations of Uganda, Russia, Kenya, India, and Belize. Bigotry can be dangerous if it's backed up by government force.

[@canofsand]

So, are you unable to read or do you just choose not to? The law doesn't target gays, genius. Try getting your news from honest sources, next time.

[@linuxrobotgeek]

canofsand If that's true then why did Gov. Pence "fix" the law? He did it because of the backlash. Also, this whole thing could have gone away if they never proposed it in the first place. But of course, this was written and proposed by anti-gay individuals like Eric Miller and Micah Clark who called this a "consolation prize" to those who lost the gay marriage fight. The better solution would have been to expand civil rights protections to sexual orientation and gender identity.

[@canofsand]

Edgardo Peregrino I can see you've never taken a course on debate or politics. A politician claiming they're "fixing" something doesn't prove anything was actually wrong. I point to the actual law -- you point to the actions of some guy under political pressure from liars in the media (the spin is obvious in these stories if you'd bothered to look) and bigots who call others "bigots" and are only interested in shoving their crap down our throats (as you proved by insisting the law should create new special protected groups). Let's see: The law means... what is says, versus, something bad cuz someone said so. Whichever could be the reasonable line to take?? The answer isn't difficult, yet you failed anyway. Get help.

[@linuxrobotgeek]

canofsand Try again. This law was proposed as a reaction to social conservatives losing the gay marriage battle. This was a "consolation prize" to them. And may I remind you that Pence opposed civil rights protections for LGBT individuals as a congressman and warned against the "mainstreaming of homosexuality". The law was not necessary, period.

[@DerekWilliamsMusic]

canofsand False equivalence. If we were "shoving it down your throat", we would be telling you that you should be gay and that you should be married to the same sex. We would be telling you that heterosexual marriage is wrong, and that you should pray away the straight. Now read the sentence I just wrote again, swapping gay for straight, and you will see that YOU are the ones shoving your religion down everyone else's throat. It is YOU who are telling us that we should be heterosexual, and that we should be married to the opposite sex, that same sex marriage is wrong, and that we should pray away the gay.

[@buzzedmike]

The holy bible says "eat more pie". Isnt gluttony a deadly sin?

[@DerekWilliamsMusic]

Adultery actually harms people. Who is harmed by LGBT being in a relationship?

[@DerekWilliamsMusic]

BigDog Obviously they must think that unless they intervene to force people to be straight, everyone will prefer to be gay and eventually that will be the end of the world as we know it. So far, the world population has trebled since my birth, and will have trebled again by the time of my death. So how justifiable these fears are, is very much open to question.

[@bigdog4574]

Those fears are in no way shape or form justified. But, that's what happens when every Sunday they go to an echo-chamber and get brainwashed by fear-mongering preachers.

[@Armando7654]

Why should homosexual business owners not be free to refuse service to homophobes etc ?

[@valhala56]

You do realize with this slippery slope everybody will be refusing service to everybody cause you don't like em. How about just do Apartheid or Jim Crow again aye? Just separate people, segregation, how does that sound to you?

[@Armando7654]

valhala56 You do realize you are paranoid. If everybody was refusing everybody, there would be no running businesses. That said, everybody has a constitutional right to refuse to sell his products to whoever one pleases. Customers don't own, owners' property. The rest of your comment is just slippery slope garbage

[@iyutinkitagustomo]

Armando7654 it's discrimination. With our history, you do realize why discrimination is very controversial and taboo right? People fought for equal rights and won now we're only going back 50 years. Although I understand what religious entrepreneurs are fighting for, I also understand how it is going to affect those people they're going to deny service to. People should think of the people as a whole sometimes.

[@valhala56]

Armando7654 Look I got no dog in this fight. Fact is every-time these Discrimination laws cloaked in Religion gets passed that get walked back, first Az, now Indiana is walking it back and the Governor of Arkansas is vetoing the law in Ak. So they seem to backfire on em and they got a lot of anger so hey do whatever floats your crazy ass boats.

[@Armando7654]

john correa Every human act, is an act of discrimination. Are you not aware that whenever you make a choice, (which is about billion times a day), you DISCRIMINATE? Did people not fight for your ability to discriminate/choose billion times a day, which is to say, to be a free human being? Do you not understand customers don't have the right to goods & services since those goods belong to owners? There is no such rights as rights to another man's property so you can't claim those are the rights Americans fought for & now are deprived of.

[@TruthAndMoreTruth]

"It's a different king of sin..." *hypocrisy*

[@maxx1000]

"I pray for them everyday"... You should be making sure your house is in order with the Lord, instead.

[@michaela4173]

This is the 1st time I've seen a reporter ask "well what about a customer who is breaking one of the Ten Commandments." The woman's answer sums it perfectly "Yes, I would because it's different." Yes, it's different. She's not bigotted against straight people. It should clue everyone in religion hs nothing to do with this when someone has no issues with someone who is breaking one of the top ten "biggest" sins.

[@21elwapo]

The reporter asked if she would serve an adulterer or someone else who broke one of the ten commandments for that matter. She said it's a different kind of sin. Well.. I would like to expand on her answer. First, the LGBT community does not see what they do as sin. So in their eyes, they are not sinners or sinning. Please remember that clearly when considering this reporter's question. If an adulterer came to my store and asked to be served flowers at his wedding while publicly and openly married or 'committed' to another woman... then the answer is no to the adulterer. I couldn't serve him in good conscience. I would feel that I am, publicly, condoning his adulterous behavior. But if an adulterer came to my store and if, for some reason, I find out or he describes himself as an adulterer but believes or recognizes that what he did was wrong and is trying to find God's will for his life, then I will not only serve him but I will try my best to be a blessing to this man in any manner I could. Because he is no better than any one of us who sins. Public sin or not also matters. Adultery can be done publicly and privately. That also influences the way we deal with the person, but only because we communicate to others our stance on the sin committed. I couldn't serve a gay couple at a wedding because they are not only privately sinning but are testifying publicly that they believe that what they are doing is right. Marriage is a beautiful thing. I don't doubt that gays are good and honest people. They have feelings just like all people. But where do we draw the line between what is right and what is wrong. Unfortunately, this trend will continue. I believe the LGBT movement will win in their projects. But this is only because the world is rapidly moving away from God. I am a sinner. But, I want to be made better everyday, closer to God's original plan for me when he created man. There is still time to find God, today. Try him.

[@barrett7893]

Elwapo 21 Apparently she doesn’t know how to read her Bible. Because it says that Sin is sin! Also in the old testament if They would stone you to death for those sins!

[@wolfwood1014]

This video makes me sick to my stomach!

[@walsh9354]

Marriage is a religious custom, therefor any business providing for a religious custom can be considered itself religious and those customers are asking that business to contradict the grounds it stands on

[@billbrothers17bb14]

Good for them, it's their right and business who they serve or not, not anyone elses.

[@B13e]

Night Raider Prayus Jayzuz!

[@AllenTax]

Only if private.

[@NoahRobertGraves]

I am a gay Christian, and I agree with you. I'm deeply concerned over religious freedom in this county.

[@rextrek]

Noah Robert Graves and you're mental midget to

[@NoahRobertGraves]

rextrek Oh hello again, rextrek! :D That must be a compliment coming by somebody as tolerant as yourself! You have a wonderful day! :D

[@dtbristol]

Shop associate doesn't believe that discriminating against gay couples is discrimination.

[@jadaleewallace8566]

Oh please, Lord Jesus, let these anti-discrimination laws pass so that every one of these business owners get the shit sued out of them and their businesses go under all because they thought they were doing you a favor by treating people like second class citizens. Show them your unyielding love, Lord!

[@SaltyMinorcan]

Some rich guy should open a "no republicans" florist shop and then buy out every other shop for miles around.

[@Armando7654]

Newsflash: everybody has the constitutional right to do that!

[@SaltyMinorcan]

Armando7654 news flash no they do not. the constitution has amendments that guarantee civil rights to minorities. hello

[@Armando7654]

Sal ty stop lying. Nothing overrides property rights especially not your sex or race

[@SaltyMinorcan]

Armando7654 LOL well Barry Goldwater made a good case for that but he was defeated by the civil rights passage.

[@Armando7654]

Sal ty civil rights are unconstitutional bullshit

[@2020Bookworm]

Then don't do business with straight florists.

[@seyi1168]

y'all just don't get it....The heart of the problem, for the religious objector, is not the identity of the customer, but the nature of the event.... Marriage is something taken highly...

[@michaela4173]

Yes she has no issue with those who are committing adultery.

[@MRayner59]

Michael A Well, that's a "different kind of sin" she claims. Even though the Bible calls for those people to be stoned to death too. So basically it just comes down to these hypocrites having a problem with gays.

[@michaela4173]

***** Yeah, they're different kinds of sin. One was so major it made the Top Ten list and is perhaps the most widely condemned sin throughout the entire Bible. The other one is referenced maybe 6 times and not one of those passages hold up when the original text and context is taken into account.

[@MRayner59]

Michael A One shouldn’t really be surprised or expect anything to tally from a logical standpoint with these folks, seeing as their entire worldview is a completely incoherent jumble of contradictory, utterly nonsensical claptrap.

[@mojokuku2745]

Michael A For some religious people the ceremony between a LGBT is blasphemous. To them the bible defines marriage as being between a man and a woman. Forcing them to choose between forsaking their religion or being punished with fines, prison time, or law suits for sticking to their beliefs is just as wrong as discrimination. Unlike the religious person, a LGBT person has alternatives, they can buy flowers or cake from someone else. Hold their wedding at a different venue. And if you had someone with that kind of religious conviction, and you are forcing them to violate their beliefs, would you really want them baking your cake, something you and your everyone at your wedding will be eating?

[@srercrcr]

I'm an anethesiologist. If she comes to surgery, I'll slip her water. I claim Individual Freedom Rights. What goes around comes around, lady.

[@Plantrjr]

What if i wanted an orthodox jewish caterer to make ham sandwiches? The media has this all wrong. They know it and they love it.

[@MasterofEternalNight]

One of two things would happen 1. If it was just the caterer and not a catering service the catering service would just get someone else to make them for you. 2. If it's a catering service they would be making ham sandwiches in the first place so since they are not denying you a service that they give other people, but since that is not a service they give everyone it's fine. That is nowhere near what is happening with cases such as this, the media doesn't have it all wrong you do.

[@gglaudel]

Plantrjr An Orthodox Jewish Caterer would not have Ham Sandwiches on the Menu. ANYONE can order catering from them. Your argument makes no sense. Can I order spaghetti and meatballs at my Sushi restaurant?

[@Plantrjr]

gglaudel of course not. it does not fit the rhetoric. Ok, How about if a gay couple goes to a muslim bakery for a wedding cake then what?

[@MasterofEternalNight]

Plantrjr If it is a Muslim bakery that was open to the public the answer would be the same.

[@jackbauer6897]

That's there right to deny someone service. ....duh......1st Amendment!

[@iyutinkitagustomo]

1st amendment didn't say anything about denying anyone of service based on religion. 1st amendment only specifically says freedom of expression and religion. It prohibits the establishment of an official state religion and separates the church from the state. Right to express one's religion but not to impose it to anyone. Clearly if you deny someone of service because of your belief it's basically imposing your belief on the person.

[@jackbauer6897]

john correa should a Jewish laundromat be forced to wash a Nazi uniform from a skinhead?

[@iyutinkitagustomo]

Jack Bauer will a Jew base his denial of service on religion? No. His defence would be the historical mistreatments their ancestors suffered from the Nazis. Do Jews have anything in their Hebrew bible against Nazis? No. Thus, it is not a question of religion whatsoever.

[@lindacarrillo1618]

The reporter said that the flower shops in Georgia could get in trouble for not taking gay customers until a religious freedom law is passed. I don't think this is true. Sexual orientation is not a protected class in Georgia. Its completely legal to fire someone from their job, deny them housing, or not serve them in your store or restaurant because they are gay.

[@iyutinkitagustomo]

I hope to god they boycott that flower shop and let em know who's side god's in

[@olgakissinger6066]

john correa Silly, and you do?

[@iyutinkitagustomo]

olga kissinger do what?

[@MsPrettypinkpanther8]

Here's a news flash.. God will never be on the side of the homosexual.

[@iyutinkitagustomo]

oh how I wish you could prove it without using the bible.

[@3betpanda]

Atrocious, unacceptable and primitive.

[@GWDGV]

ohh cry you idot

[@haydenriden7522]

She has a right to turn away service if she doesn't believe in it. She is the one losing money over it. Feelings don't beat human rights.

[@reagan513]

Hayden Riden, Human rights? You do not have to like anybodys ways.

[@GrovesEric]

This is a prime example of why their ratings are in the garbage.

[@lambsquad_9047]

Being hateful for no apparent reason. The shit is tiring.

[@josephang9927]

I would not discriminate. However... It is a private bussiness, not a public institution. They can discriminate if they want. I don't think this is really discrimination, since gay people can come there and buy what they want. The problem arrives when a service is requiered, like creating a gay marriage cake or going to a gay party to put the flowers. It's a MUTUAL contract and no one can force me to give a service if I don't want to. In fact, I believe bussinesses can discriminate people of my beliefs (or non beliefs) and I will be fine with that. I will just look for another company.

[@signaturethapa6855]

Religions started when a conman met an idiot.. and further details we explore depending on our interest..

[@frenzeldoodle]

People don't watch CNN so much anymore, because they don't like being lied to; it was clear the issue was serving a SSM ceremony, not gay people. The interviewer tried to twist it, but failed miserably.

[@reagan513]

Frenzel Jacobson, CNN talks about equality? All they do is hate on people.

[@DragonofDarknessKH]

If this was an atheist or Muslim turning away a Christian, there would had been more outrage on the right.

[@Pacifica74]

I've never heard of someone needing flowers for an "I commit adultery" celebration.

[@susanvoll9497]

What is the difference between this and turning away a person for the color of there skin? And as far as your God being a higher power lets see your God get your ass out of jail! I just love the last lady putting levels of sin to justify her actions. So stupid

[@maxx1000]

QUESTION: Where are the Muslim florists? What about their faith? Why is it always the "Christians" crying???

[@mylifepostpain3705]

The 3 who didn’t want to show their face obviously know that what they are doing is totally wrong.

[@mjt11860]

"...they r happy to do business w/u, but not so much if u tell them ur gay". here's a blatant example of poor journalism. none of them said they wouldn't do business w/gays. they said they wouldn't bring flowers to their marriage ceremony. never said they wouldn't sell them flowers. "if someone didn't honor their mother & father or committed adultery, would u serve them?" stupid question. the question should b if they would take flowers to a swingers party, etc. i'm sure the answer would b no.

[@batmandeltaforce]

This bill is a license for gays to discriminate against Christians. This is what happens when they gay lobby starts acting like bullies and even terrorists. We have had gay couples in our area since I can remember, everyone knew it and no one cared. But they were not militant. This was not a problem ever until political correctness became the state religion... and now it is a problem. I don't understand it, gay marriage takes nothing away from anyone. Could be the bible objects on the grounds that a gay relationship is sex out of wedlock.... hmmm....

[@Ragnarokgn]

Religion is irrelevant. By the definition of ownership, the owner has full rights over what is done with owned property. Their reason to not sell an object is irrelevant as it is theirs to sell or not. Theft has occurred the moment another party uses force or the threat of force to compel their will over that property. These people may be doing something you disagree with greatly, but there are plenty of things you can do to disassociate yourselves from them that does not include violence.

[@dustintacohands1107]

So what people dont like something deal with it.

[@nTrubl3]

New Form Of Racism

[@tomocured6176]

What did that kid say? The one studying to be a minister. I serve a higher judge than the supreme court? Well I guess we have some evidence to the religion in this country and their motives. That is a clear indication that he thinks his religious obligations trump anyones civil rights.

[@lesliedalehicks8417]

as does the 1st amendment. government shall make no law restricting religion. look it up, and join the rest of civilization.

[@tomocured6176]

lesliedale Hicks I dont have to look it up. "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances" discrimination is not the free exercise of religion. Join your civilization? Fuck that you are stuck 2000 years ago

[@madelschmadel]

I don't see any posts by Tomo criticizing Iran for hanging gays. I wonder why that is. Is this another liberal who gives Muslim fundies a pass?

[@tomocured6176]

Maddy Perennity Oh yeah you would just love that. But unfortunately I have the ability to know the entire story. many people are being murdered some are gay some are straight. it would be very shitty of me to just call out one group suffering.

[@madelschmadel]

Really, that's what you're doing here. So domestically gays matter to you but dem dare ferriners don't matter a hill o'beans, right? Either ignorance or insincerity therefore must be the motivation here.

[@maxx1000]

A gay couple may order flowers for their ceremony... ... The florist doesn't even have to witness it.

[@darrylilg]

No it the fact that the people are not getting flowers to celebrate their sin that makes the example completely different

[@abigailcravey8481]

I think this is incredibly stupid. I'm from Hazlehurst and I have a gay brother whom she has sold flowers to before. Gay people look the same has everyone else so I don't know how and the hell she thinks she came separate them out from the rest of the orders that she gets.

[@maxx1000]

"Whatsoever you do to the least of your brother..." ... Jesus is turned away because of their closely held beliefs. And they call themselves "Christians"???

[@j-mshistorycorner6932]

There's no hate like Christian love.

[@j-mshistorycorner6932]

@@jeffdixon3588 No, it isn't love.

[@j-mshistorycorner6932]

@@jeffdixon3588 You would be a tinfoil conspiracy theorist. I'd look around and see that nobody else was having a reaction to the carrots. I would have a lower opinion of you.

[@j-mshistorycorner6932]

@@jeffdixon3588 If hell is a final destination, then God is evil.

[@rdrift1879]

Clever, but dishonest journalism.

[@Loafy23]

Exactly how is this dishonest?

[@rdrift1879]

Sarkazmo Loafy Because he is deliberately misrepresenting the florists. he has no interest in understanding them, only painting them in a certain way by abusing the expression "refuse to serve gay people." He talks about "refusing service to a gay person" but the context is not serving them generally, but specifically participating in a "commitment ceremony." None of these folks would refuse to sell flowers to a gay person. I know of no example where anyone has refused to do that. They don't believe it is right by their faith to be part of a ceremony against their deeply held convictions. The "adultery" bit is especially telling. Now he's talking about "sinners" generally, something all humans are. There is no "adultery ceremony" in his failed example. When she says "It's a different kind of stand to me..." she is exactly correct. You can see in her face she's trying to understand why he would ask such a dumb question, but he thinks he "got her." No comparison.

[@Loafy23]

rdrift1879 He DID say it was a commitment ceremony and even qualified it by saying that it would have to be since gay marriage isn't allowed in that state. The florist doesn't participate in the ceremony anyway, they supply flowers, that's it. It's not like the florist is being asked to attend or actually take part in said ceremony. Just deliver the flowers then leave, that's it. "Here's your flowers, bye." The question about serving an adulterer is in the context of a commitment ceremony/wedding ceremony, which is the basis of the questioning to begin with. There's no confusion there. That look on her face was more likely just her considering her answer and the unavoidable hypocrisy it represents. In Christianity all sins are supposed to be equal. Her serving an adulterer but not a gay couple is hypocrisy if she's claiming the reason for not serving the gay couple is a religious one. She even says they're different sins which shows a lack of understanding of the faith she and her child purport to be all important. They're either liars or "Cherry Pickers" that pick and choose what parts of the scriptures they follow. Regardless of which they're still hypocrites.

[@rdrift1879]

Sarkazmo Loafy Now your telling her how she is supposed to perceive her own faith. That's the problem here. Think hard...it's HER faith. It's her conscience. She doesn't want to be involved in it. If flowers were ordered for a ceremony to honor Buddha, even if she wasn't "in the ceremony", shouldn't she have the FREEDOM to say, "No, I'm sorry. My faith doesn't allow that." It's liberty. It's on all your coins. Part of being American, and learning to live together, is respecting each other's conscience. Your opinion is she's a hypocrite. She may have the opinion that endorsing a same-sex marriage ceremony changes our culture and our world in a way common adultery does not. Yes, he did say it was a commitment ceremony, but then defined that as refusing to serve gays. Incorrect. It's only refusing to serve gays if she refused to serve a homosexuals in any context. Otherwise, it is a specific activity, not an orientation she objects to, as should be her right in a free country. Perhaps think about this. thefederalist.com/2015/04/02/indiana-shows-the-left-has-no-concept-of-freedom/ Just for information sake, no wedding I have personally been a part of did the florist drop off the flowers and say: "Here's your flowers. Bye!" That may happen, but I've never seen it.

[@bigdog4574]

rdrift1879 Oh you are so naive... this is not about her faith!!!!!!! This is about her discrimination and bigotry!!!!! Notice how she picked a chose to serve adulterer over a gay couple.... even though adulterer is one of the 10 commandments issued by GOD himself. Thus she is a blasphemer who dares to defy GOD and declares that the 10 commandments to her are less sinful than loving another person of the same sex! You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make idols. You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Honor your father and your mother. You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. You shall not covet.

[@roimko]

I could totally splash paints and draw crosses by a permanent marker, but it would be be disrespectful and negative act. Christians are supposed to be one big family, and pray for those they think astray from god's path

[@MTBiker2125]

If they truly believe this then why not show the name of the flower shop. They said they realize they could get in trouble but yet they are not showing us who is doing this so the gay couples do not go to their shop and take their business else where. Don't use religion to be bigots. They are not true christians!!

[@supernovax6867]

Typical Christians cherry picking to follow some rules and ignore the others. I hope she goes out of business.

[@harmonybridge2740]

I would have no problem to serve Gay people, but they are not going to get me to write or say things that support their life style, just as how I wouldn't support lieing, stealing, murder and adultry . Just like I wouldn't support a guy cheating on his wife and want me to lie for him or someone coming a murder and want me to hide the body etc.

[@daveandkairnvoss2620]

Would any of these people wash the feet of a gay man or woman? I doubt it, and think that if they were honestly objective about their approach and the teachings of Jesus, they would be ashamed for the lack of humanity and choice to not practice the Bible's teachings.

[@lynanderson2047]

There are two different things here. Refusing to serve gay couples, and refusing to participate in a gay wedding. If an ethical vegan caterer refuses to serve meat at a wedding, should he or she be foreced to do so?

[@Christfollowerr]

I stand by them.. I will not give into todays mans desire to degrade religion that existed 1000s of years... God's law stands above every man

[@NoahRobertGraves]

***** Selling flowers to gay people is not the same thing is tacitly supporting gay marriage which goes against your conscious. And also, Jamie, before you start looking for dirty on me, too, I AM GAY, for the record, and the level of hysteria against Christians in this country and the denial of religious liberties and the right of following one's religious conscious in this country should alarm any thinking person.

[@michaela4173]

Noah Robert Graves What's alarming is a gay man who doesn't comprehend what the laws are the govern businesses that offer their services to the public.

[@NoahRobertGraves]

Michael A Privately run businesses?? Yes, I'm aware of these laws, and this is exactly what we are talking about. Read this article: spectator.org/articles/62243/can%E2%80%99t-i-support-gays-and-religious-freedom To quote: "Americans have lost recognition of the difference between government action and private action. While government should not be allowed to discriminate, the use of government threats to force a private person to violate his deeply-held religious views is the height of intolerance yet that is the position of so many liberals who at all other times pine for “tolerance” and “diversity.” (I do not accept the argument that opening a business suddenly makes someone a “public accommodation” and makes individuals’ beliefs irrelevant.)"

[@michaela4173]

Noah Robert Graves Sorry but if you offer your services to the public you actually have to adhere to public accomodations laws. It's a bit insane you're even trying to argue this point. The public pays for the services which allow these businesses to operate. Police? Sanitation? Roads and sidewalks? If the person does not want to serve everyone they have no business being in business.

[@Christfollowerr]

i think serving the flowers is not the Problem, but the guilt of actually having to walk into a church of God... Stepping into a church were God is my Father, I would be a hypocrite. As a human I respect everyone, but I dont pray to my God in a Mosque, just because I respect Muslims...

[@irispereyra4780]

Well "serving them" is sort of paramount to the Christian faith, isn't it? And I would like to hear her pastor's theology explanations as to why homosexuality is a "different kind of sin"....

[@olgakissinger6066]

I dont know what to think about this one. I dont know about serving in general. This particular case is extreme as the owner is refusing to provide flowers for the wedding. In her view this is her participating in something she doesn't believe in. In general service like for example car repair that has nothing to do with the wedding or being gay, hence it is OK. They really picked an extreme case to demonstrate the issue. One thing I do know I dont want the government or anybody for this matter to to tell me what to think and how to feel about certain issues. What is the next thing? they will prosecute you for your religious believes? This is going too far. Maybe we dont need any law at all here. Let people decide for themselves what they want to do.

[@gglaudel]

olga kissinger Their job is make floral arrangements and sell them for a profit. They agreed to do that when they obtained their Business License. That is it. There was no addendum to the License to permit them to pass judgment on the Customers.

[@olgakissinger6066]

Yet there no addendum otherwise

[@Aperry74]

It's okay to serve adulterers and people who don't honor thy mother and father because "it's a different kind of sin." Huh. Naturally, these folks wouldn't take me up on my challenge to ACTUALLY READ THE BIBLE...But, dang, these hypocrites couldn’t stand further from Christ's teaching and are not just giving themselves a bad name, but Christians in general. I was thinking Sarah Palin and Michele Bachmann were one-offs, but there are so many ignorant people, it shames me that these might be U.S. citizens. We as a nation are getting dumber and dumber. Something's gotta change. Education should be our top priority over wars, drug busts, everything. We lack learning, we lack common sense. But mostly, we lack the very fundamentals these poor people claim to live by.

[@donnacastel3568]

Why can't each group respect the rights of the other & agree to disagree? They both want tolerance from the other. To have that , then SHOW TOLERANCE TO THE OTHER. If someone did not want to participate in my wedding , I would not want them to. My aunt got turned down by a pastor for her 2nd marriage. She did not get all freaked out! She went to a different pastor& denomination. They have been married for years now & could care less about the pastor . Why can't everybody just calm down & live WHATEVER they believe?

[@barrett7893]

If they don’t want to cater to gay people. That doesn’t bother me at all. Trust me there’s plenty of gay Florist out there.. lmao That doesn’t bother me at all!!! It shows her ignorance. And she’s losing money.

[@mylifepostpain3705]

Must be awful to live there and be gay. These people need to change and fast but unfortunately it won’t happen

[@SaltyMinorcan]

Marriage in this country is a legal contract so these peoples' opinions don't matter. I'm sure as shootin there are some gay florists doin a shLt load of business!

[@Ragnarokgn]

I believe they have the right, but the actions of companies like angie's list toward Indiana is identical to these flower shops. Angie's List: I refuse to engage in an economical exchange with a group of people who act in a way I believe is amoral.

[@derrickwesley6580]

I not about to lose money because of my believe

[@ElissaJaneMastel]

I have to wonder, a lot of those hideous arrangements look like they could be through online retailers like FTD and ProFlowers... are these flower shops affiliated with these larger online flower services, do I need to boycott them too? How far does this polluted ignorance spread?

[@user-gz6ng5cf3c]

The South isn't changing anytime soon. Better move out west

[@pandaphil]

Looks like somebody wants a piece of that sweet Gofundme bigot money.

[@gohstdog23]

So stupid , I'll serve an adulterer but not same sex ..hmmmm ?

[@stabg289]

Divide and Conquer

[@deenaguevara6703]

I'm a believer, but I really think that being Discriminatory isn't What Jesus would do. And, unless We ourselves are Completely Sin free then Perhaps this Woman wld. Have some Other way. But Refusing Service Won't get her into heaven because then, hate, acting on God's decisions, and Its Also, ignorant too, & to the Angry person about f-God... I'm telling you Don't let a Southern Baptist woman like her keep U from knowing the real deal. Big mis-conception that God hates gays. He doesn't like sin

[@mylifepostpain3705]

This is why America is not as great as Americans (most of whom have never even traveled) think it is.

[@aarone9000]

So much for; "do unto others"! I guess that part of the commadments is only a suggestion! Hypocrite much?

[@maxx1000]

The ONLY people Jesus Judged were the Temple leaders who shut people out... ... He called them VIPERS FROM HELL!

[@RedmenaceMartin]

Okay so if God is no respecter of person and all sin is abhorrent to the lord, coupled with the fact that we have all sinned and come short of the glory of the Lord according to the Bible and the "Christian" faith… There is no difference to God wether you lie, cheat, kill or if you believe being gay is a sin, being gay. So if serving a "sinner" is something their "beliefs" prohibit them to do, They must go out of business and hide, because the world is full of sinners. No, religion has nothing to do with it. It's plain old bigotry and ignorance.

[@josecarranza7555]

Redmenace Martin But no other sin has corrupt and blasphemed what God said on marriage, man and woman, and they corrupted the marriage meaning.

[@josecarranza7555]

Redmenace Martin But no other sin has corrupt and blasphemed what God said on marriage, man and woman, and they corrupted the marriage meaning.

[@RedmenaceMartin]

Again you missed the point. all sin is equal in God's eyes, in fact the Bible only the first one sin being greater than all the others and that is blaspheming of the Holy Ghost. So if you as a business owner refused to serve someone who is a a sinner you will have absolutely no customers because the only person to walk the earth that was without sin was Jesus Christ. singling out which sin you all approve of one you don't is not only hypocritical it is not scriptural.

[@maxx1000]

Judge not least ye be God? Why do these "Christians" think that way.

[@slmwv34]

Your beliefs don`t make a better person, your actions do, I have pity in my heart for proclaim Christians, i`m glad i`m not one,, I just don`t have it my heart to spew such hate intolerance against others, when they face there God they will find out if he will be picking and choosing what sins are punishable or not, right,? does it state in there man written bible one sin worse than another,? No one else fines it odd Christians want to be protected from sinners by law,? they want the right to be openly discriminating against a group of people that has done nothing to them deny them the same rights as they have, wow again I`m so glad I`m not one of them,

[@maxx1000]

Baptist son said, "I don't care what ANYBODY else says"... ... Then he doesn't care what Jesus said, either.

[@maxx1000]

Who did Jesus say, "I will not serve you" to???

[@nowayjose53]

Great stance. God made Adam and Eve not Adam and John or Eve and Marie.

[@michaela4173]

NEWSFLASH: God made both John and Marie too.

[@nowayjose53]

Michael A NEWSFLASH: GOD made a male and a female first so that they can pro-create.

[@michaela4173]

nowayjose53 NEWSFLASH: Yes, and they've done such a good job, such a good job in fact we've overpopulated the planet. Since when is procreation ever a requirement for anything but those who wish to produce their own offspring??? It's like saying you had to be born on a Tuesday for your birthday to be valid. The two have nothing to do with each other.

[@nowayjose53]

Michael A NEWSFLASH: Ya they do. Two men fucking won't get you a baby. That's why it's a male and female that have a baby which fulfills God's expectations of you.

[@michaela4173]

nowayjose53 Excuse me? Where does it say God expects me to procreate??? Are you referring to Matthew 19 maybe where Christ is answering a question about when it's OK for a man to divorce his wife and remarry? You mean that same passage where Christ mentions gay men as "born eunuchs" one of the 3 types of men not made for marrying women? What I would like to know is why people who shout out about their faith the loudest are always the ones who know the least about what the Bible states? Or as I say, if you really want to know what the Bible says ask an Atheist.

[@adambruer9943]

"Love thy enemy, unless they are committing sins that are popular to oppose. Then fuck em." -Jesus. Who hung out with 12 dudes and had them "eat and drink" him. I've done that before.

[@cmanzana100]

So it's down to flower shops now. Ugh. Everyone of these people have country ass accents. Just watch the next autoplay. 😀😁😂🤣

[@maxx1000]

"Render unto Caesar what is Caesar's"... ... Unfortunately they hold Jesus as hostage.

[@latoyasoawesome2055]

What are the names of these stores?

[@rickywest1584]

facebook.com/pages/Sues-House-of-Flowers-and-Frame-Shop/207442162622060 ^ is the last one with the preacher in training son. I'm still looking for the other one.

[@drnstvns]

Ya gotta hand it to the reporter though. He was able to find 5, count 'em FIVE straight florist! Luckily my LGBTQ brothers and sisters run the florist universe so they needn't worry about having to turn us away. We have flowers, and really pretty much every wedding/party/anniversary/shower/picnic/reunion/mid-summer watermelon thump and crawfish boil need covered so before you decline may I inquire "Who asked ya?" I personally wouldn't bury my neighbor's dead turtle with one of their styrofoam crosses covered in blue tipped carnations piece of shit arrangements (I mean how 1964 can you get) but it's cute they think they're gonna get to deny us purchase of them. Now when their daughters want to get married and starts looking through wedding magazines and seeing what WE'RE doing arrangement wise and they are forced to come to us and ask us to please do the flowers for their little princesses big day we are gonna take that door and slam it right -- behind them because it's cold out then invite them in for some hot tea and to look through some design ideas from our past weddings and have a lovely, lovely afternoon. Such a shame they wasted all that time in hate and judgement when we could have all been warming up over tea and laughter and the company of our brothers and sisters.

[@scheis123]

This shows the utter moral bankruptcy of the "we want the special right to discriminate" crowd.

[@abrahammoses4367]

Descendants of confederates, these people have weird and twisted beliefs

[@reagan513]

Abraham Moses, I like that comment, being weird is cool, because people cannot figure you out. If someone is gay, thats their life not mine, but sodemy is way beyond certifiable.

[@areuserious5090]

Wow... The way tat lo

[@RandomU5erName]

"judge of the universe" lmao

[@eveningstar1968]

If your beliefs offend or harm someone, perhaps there's something wrong with your belief system. Refusing to serve gay people is intolerance and wrong.

[@Blashbanderwit]

The minute their profits take a dive. They'll start preaching tolerance which alot of them conveniently forgot.

[@maxx1000]

Why haven't these florists sold all their earthly belongings yet...?

[@keithb.9140]

This law best not pass. IT IS DISCRIMINATION!!

[@NoahRobertGraves]

CNN: Propaganda central

[@rextrek]

hey asshole - they contacted CNN - not the other way around............they wanted to SHOWCASE their BIGOTRY

[@junegiovanni6475]

Like fox news doenst have propaganda, they are the most hateful, racist, and homophobic network.

[@mylifepostpain3705]

It’s a commitment ceremony not a marriage so it wouldn’t even go against their religious beliefs. Fucking hell, America really has gone to shit

[@haydenriden7522]

The second girl was awesome

[@maxx1000]

A "Christian" that judges others when Jesus explicitly said DON'T.