Arlene’s Flowers Case to Finally Be Heard by State Supreme Court
Starting Tuesday, November 15, the Washington State Supreme Court will finally take up the case of Arlene's Flowers.
It's been since 2013 since owner Barronelle Stutzman declined to offer wedding floral services to a same-sex couple due to her theological beliefs. Stutzman offered the male couple, one of whom was a long-time customer, the supplies and tools to create their own arrangements, but they refused the offer.
She was sued under the Washington State Consumer Protection Law, which added sexual orientation in 2008. The law says a business or person cannot discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, sexual orientation or religion.
Stutzman's attorneys argued her civil rights to freedom of expression and religion were infringed upon. One argument made over the law included this was the same as forcing a musician to write and perform a musical piece for a same-sex wedding.
Stutzman lost her case in Benton County Superior court, but appealed to the State Supreme Court nearly a year ago. According to KEW-TV oral arguments will begin before the court Tuesday.