Issues@Hand

AFA initiatives, Christian activism, news briefs

September 2021 – On July 2, Barronelle Stutzman, the Washington floral artist who was sued for refusing to make a floral arrangement for a same-sex wedding, was denied a hearing before the highest court in the land.

The legal fight began nearly a decade ago when Stutzman, who owns and operates Arlene’s Flowers in Richland, Washington, declined to design floral arrangements for a longtime customer and friend’s same-sex wedding.

The Washington attorney general and the ACLU both brought separate lawsuits against Stutzman on behalf of the gay customer and his partner.

With the help of Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), Stutzman has continued to fight for her religious freedom. With the Supreme Court’s ruling, however, her future now remains uncertain.

ADF posted to Twitter, “SCOTUS’ decision not to hear this case is disappointing – but our fight isn’t over.”

adflegal.org, 7/2/21