Shop Appeals Gay Wedding Case to State High Court

A Washington flower shop owner who lost a 2013 lawsuit over her refusal to provide services for a same-sex wedding is appealing to the state Supreme Court.

Barronnelle Stutzman owns Arlene's Flowers in Richland, Washington. She said her religious beliefs prevent her from providing flowers for a same-sex wedding.
    
But a judge ruled earlier this year that Stutzman broke the law when she told Robert Ingersoll, a longtime customer, that she couldn't serve his gay wedding because of her faith.

Kristen Waggoner, senior counsel with the Arizona-based Alliance Defending Freedom, is one of Stutzman's attorneys.

"The trial court's ruling affects all Americans who wish to remain free to live and work according to their faith without fear of punishment by the government," the Yakima Herald quoted Waggoner.

"For that reason and others, we are requesting that the Washington Supreme Court grant direct review of Barronelle's case," she said.