Elderly Christian florist files countersuit over refusing to participate in gay 'wedding'
An elderly florist in Washington state has filed a countersuit against the state Attorney General after being sued for refusing to sell flowers for a same-sex "wedding." AG Bob Ferguson says shop-owner Barronelle Stutzman, 68, is guilty of unlawful discrimination for refusing to sell flowers to long-time customer Robert Ingersoll for his same-sex “marriage” ceremony. Stutzman refused her services in this instance because she it would violate her religious beliefs. Barronelle Stutzman Although she provides referrals to other florists who will provide services for same-sex “marriage” ceremonies, lawsuits allege that Stutzman is unlawfully discriminating against customers based on sexual orientation. The state is seeking $2,000 per offense and a permanent injunction that would require the shop to violate its conscience or stop selling flowers for wedding ceremonies altogether. Stutzman is facing a separate suit filed by a customer who self-identifies as homo