KENNEWICK — Attorney General Bob Ferguson explained his gay discrimination lawsuit against a Richland florist during his visit Wednesday to the Tri-Cities.
He told a Rotary Club meeting that Arlene’s Flowers is violating consumer protection law by refusing to sell flowers for a same-sex wedding.
KNDU reports the state’s lawsuit against shop owner Baronelle Stutzman has been consolidated with a lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union, and it could be several months before it goes to court.
Stutzman is counter-suing the attorney general. Her lawyer, Kristen Waggoner, says Stutzman served her gay customer for years but balked at the wedding because of her religious beliefs. Waggoner says it’s a matter of religious freedom, protected by the constitution.
Other Tri-Cities florists are willing to arrange flowers for gay weddings.
