WA Florist Counter-Sues
Last month Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson filed a discrimination suit against florist Barronelle Stuzman for refusing to supply flowers for a same-sex wedding. Yesterday the anti-gay Alliance Defending Freedom counter-sued on her behalf. Via World Net Daily:
“The Washington State Constitution, in Article 1, Section 11, absolutely protects ‘freedom of conscience in all matters of religious sentiment, belief, and worship’ and guarantees that ‘no one shall be molested or disturbed in person or property on account of religion,’” according to attorneys representing Stutzman. The countersuit asks for a declaration that Ferguson’s actions are “unlawful” and to enjoin similar future actions, reasonable attorneys’ fees and litigation costs and “such other relief that the court deems just and equitable.” The countersuit was filed by Alliance Defending Freedom attorneys on behalf of Stutzman, whom they already were defending from the attorney general’s complaint.More from the ADF's counter-suit:
ADF reports the Washington State Constitution uniquely protects the rights of conscience and religion, and the countersuit argues that Ferguson is “constitutionally precluded from compelling Stutzman to use her artistic skill to personally craft expressive floral arrangements” for a same-sex ceremony when it violates her religious beliefs and her conscience to do so, “particularly when there are many other florists willing, ready, and able to create floral arrangements” for such ceremonies.
Labels: Alliance Defense Fund, lawsuits, Washington state