The Washington state florist who is currently under fire for refusing to provide flowers to a gay wedding is speaking up about her decision, saying she would never betray her religious beliefs the same way Judas betrayed Jesus, Fox News reported.
"You are asking me to walk in the way of a well-known betrayer, one who sold something of infinite worth for 30 pieces of silver," Barronelle Stutzman, 70, wrote in a letter to state Attorney General Bob Ferguson. "That is something I will not do."
The owner of Arlene's Flowers has been deemed guilty of violating Washington's non-discrimination law, and in response, Ferguson offered to settle the case filed against her if she paid a $2,000 penalty for violating the Consumer Protection Act and a $1 payment for costs and fees. Not only that, but Ferguson stipulated that Stutzman should agree not to discriminate anymore in the future.
But Stutzman did not accept the settlement. Even if she has to risk her home and business, the florist insists that she will continue to fight for what she believes in.
"I certainly don't relish the idea of losing my business, my homes and everything else that your lawsuit threatens to take from my family, but my freedom to honour God in doing what I do best is more important," Stutzman said.
She even added that the attorney general does not understand her at all and that he missed the whole point of the conflict. "It's about freedom, not money," she said. "You chose to attack my faith and pursue this not simply as a matter of law, but to threaten my very means of working, eating and having a home."
Stutzman had enjoyed a good relationship with her customer Robert Ingersoll - the man who filed the case against her - for several years, but when he decided to get married to another man, the florist felt that serving his wedding would betray her faith so she declined his request.
Still, Stutzman said that she would gladly continue to serve Ingersoll if he wished it since she only wants "the best for my friend." The one thing she cannot do, however, is provide flowers for his wedding.
"I've also employed and served many members of the LGBT community, and will continue to do so regardless of what happens with this case," she added.
