The following is a transcript of Todd’s morning commentary – heard on hundreds of radio stations around the nation. Click here to download Todd’s podcast.
Hello Americans, I’m Todd Starnes. Stand by for news and commentary next.
I have some news about Barronelle Stutzman — she’s the Baptist grandmother who owns a flower shop in Washington State.
Barronelle made national headlines when she declined to create floral arrangements for a same-sex wedding. Doing so would have violated her religions convictions.
So Barronelle suggested three other florists that she knew would do the job.
Instead, one of the grooms went to the media – and a firestorm descended on the Baptist grandmother.
The Washington State Attorney General filed a lawsuit – accusing her of discrimination. Not only did he sue her business – she he also sued Barronelle personally. An unprecedented move.
The ACLU also piled on – filing a separate lawsuit on behalf of the gay men.
After an eight-year battle – the Supreme Court declined to hear the case.
That means Barronelle will likely be forced to pay damages and attorney’s fees —- a number that could exceed one million dollars.
Alliance Defending Freedom represented Baronelle and they were stunned by the news.
“As a person of faith, she simply could not use her God-given talents to celebrate a ceremony that violated her religious convictions. And for that, she’s received everything from hate mail to death threats… and now this,” ADF said in a statement.
In spite of it all Barronelle remains faithful – even after losing at the Supreme Court.
“We’ve won,” she said. “Not in the world’s eyes, but in God’s eyes. We were faithful.”
And now it is up to us to lend Alliance Defending Freedom a helping hand!
“The legal attacks against Barronelle are not unique. People of faith across the United States are facing extreme backlash for living out their faith. But with your help, ADF Legal will ensure they never have to stand alone,” ADF said.
I am personally helping Alliance Defending Freedom raise much-needed funding so they can continue to fight for freedom and liberty across this great nation. Click here to join me in that effort!