Kennewick City Council Rejects Resolution Supporting Arlene’s Flowers

Councilman John Trumbo, who sponsored the resolution, was the only one to vote for it Tuesday evening.

  The measure, called the Freedom of Conscience Resolution, would have officially asked State Attorney General Bob Ferguson to drop his lawsuit against Barnnelle Stutzman, owner of Arlene's Flowers in Richland.

She is being sued under the state's Consumer Protection Law for refusing floral services for a same-sex wedding because of her religious beliefs.

The resolution would not have affected Ferguson legally, and he said he would pursue his lawsuit regardless.  Some council members said voting for such a measure would violate what it means to be a council member, remaining unbiased.

Dozens of people showed up for the meeting, with opinions being voice on both sides, supporting Stutzman or the same-sex couple.

Stutzman and her attorney say the will, if necessary, fight the lawsuit all the way to the Supreme Court.