State Says 70-Year-Old Flower Shop Owner Discriminated Against Gay Couple
In March 2013, when Robert Ingersoll asked Stutzman to design floral arrangements for his same-sex wedding to Curt Freed, she declined, citing her Christian faith.
“I put my hand on his and said, ‘I’m sorry Rob, I can’t do your wedding because of my relationship with Jesus Christ,’” Stutzman said. “We talked a little bit, we talked about his mom [walking him down the aisle]…we hugged and he left.”
Stutzman enjoyed a close relationship with Ingersoll, serving him for many years, and never expected what would happen next.
Following their conversation, Washington’s attorney general told Stutzman that her decision was in direct conflict with a state law that ensures citizens freedom from discrimination, and pursued a lawsuit against her....