Two Christian business owners of a stationery company are appealing a judge’s ruling that forced them to make invitations for same-sex weddings.
According to The Christian Institute, Joanna Duka and Breanna Koski run a business called Brush & Nib Studio, which specializes in invitations for weddings and other events.
The Christian women were threatened with a $2,500 fine and possible imprisonment if they did not accommodate their business to same-sex couples.
In order to prevent this from occurring, the business owners filed a pre-enforcement challenge against the city of Phoenix, Arizona.
Judge Karen Mullins of Maricopa County Superior Court ruled against Duka and Koski. In her ruling, Mullins stated that “the printing of same-sex persons’ names on wedding invitations does not hinder in any way plaintiffs’ independent exercise of (their) religious belief.”
Now, with the help of Alliance Defending Freedom, Duka and Koski are appealing Mullins’ decision.
ADF legal counsel Jonathan Scruggs commented on the case:
“Breanna and Joanna are happy to create custom art for all people; they simply object to being forced to pour their heart, imagination, and talent into creating messages that violate their conscience,” he said.
“Phoenix must allow them and any other artists to make their own decisions about which messages they will promote. That’s why we intend to appeal this decision,” he added.
Photo courtesy: ©Thinkstock/VictoriaBee
Publication date: November 6, 2017
