MICHIGAN: Christian Car Shop Owner Vows To Deny Service To Gay Customers
Via the Grand Rapids NBC affiliate:
The owner of a Grandville auto repair shop says he won’t hesitate “to refuse service to an openly gay person or persons.” Brian Klawiter, the owner of Dieseltec on Ottawa Avenue in Grandville, posted the statement to his company’s Facebook page on Tuesday because he says the voices of those who have Christian, conservative values are often overshadowed by those who do not. “I want to have a voice about this,” Klawiter told 24 Hour News 8 Wednesday. “I want to be heard about this. It’s challenging to decide to say I’m on the opposing side of what’s seen as the popular view.” The line that’s drawing the most conversation is the one that addresses “openly gay” individuals. “I would not hesitate to refuse service to an openly gay person or persons. Homosexuality is wrong, period,” Klawiter wrote. “If you want to argue this fact with me then I will put your vehicle together with all bolts and no nuts and you can see how that works.”The Facebook post is here.
UPDATE: Here's the latest post on his Facebook page:
Listen up folks, If you have an opposing view to mine that IS OK, what is NOT OK is threats to kill me, my family, and friends; threats to burn down my shop and my home. I will stand firm on my views and will not back down, however, because of the ridiculous backlash I am requesting any supporters of ours that would be willing to stand with us to help secure my home and business. (There also seems to be a TON of confusion about one of my comments, the bolt and nut thing was a reference to physiology, bolt penis and nut vagina. I DID NOT threaten to purposely put a vehicle together wrong to harm someone.)
Labels: business, Christianists, douchebaggery, Grand Rapids, LGBT rights, Michigan, public accommodations, religion, retail