Letter: Kennewick City Council has no business in Arlene’s Flowers case
The Kennewick City Council has no business involving itself in the Arlene’s Flower case by supporting the legal position of Ms. Stutzman.
The council members should read the well-reasoned decision of Superior Court Judge Alex Ekstrom before they vote on this ill-conceived resolution. That decision correctly decided that Ms. Stutzman could not refuse service to customers based on sexual orientation because of the state’s anti-discrimination laws. Apparently, the council “may” adopt a resolution that supports the violation of state law.
Ms. Stutzman’s right to practice her particular religious beliefs has not been impaired. The government is not preventing Ms. Stutzman from attending the church of her choice, or holding her particular religious beliefs.
Judge Ekstrom noted in his decision that the Supreme Court has long held that “laws may prohibit religiously motivated action, as opposed to belief.” However, since Ms. Stutzman chooses to operate a commercial business she is required to abide by all of the laws of the state of Washington. She cannot choose to provide wedding floral services for heterosexual couples and deny those same services to gay couples.
The Kennewick City Council should concentrate on the business of managing the city.
J.R. Armstrong
Kennewick
This story was originally published September 2, 2015 at 2:48 PM with the headline "Letter: Kennewick City Council has no business in Arlene’s Flowers case."