Two Letters

I was intrigued to read two letters recently published by the Seattle Times.  The letters were written by the two parties involved in a lawsuit that has made its way to the Washington Supreme Court involving religious liberty and rights for gays.

Barronelle Stutzman is the owner of Arlene’s Flowers in Richland, WA.  Here’s her letter, posted on the Seattle Times, about why she decided not to provide flowers for a gay wedding.  Ironically, she feels the two men have been and continue to be her friends.

Rob Ingersoll is the gay man who brought the lawsuit against Arelene’s Flowers (with the help of the ACLU), and has now been carried forward by the State of Washington.  Here’s his letter, posted on the Seattle Times.

Regardless of where you land on this subject, hearing firsthand from both people is important.  This is likely a watershed issue that will have cascading effects in our society for years to come.

Here’s the article from the Tri-City Herald which covered the trial that was heard on Nov. 15 in Bellevue following the appeal from Benton County Superior Court.  The trial has ended and the WA Supreme Court now deliberates.  Their decision is likely to be heard sometime in early 2017.  I personally believe that this case will be appealed to the US Supreme Court.