Christian wedding gown retailer refuses to serve lesbian couple because of religious beliefs

(Photo: Ben Earwicker)

A Pennsylvania wedding dress retailer is preparing for a potential lawsuit after denying the sale of wedding dresses to a lesbian couple.

The couple's story went viral last week after their Facebook post detailed the experience, and W.W. Bridal has been the target of both disdain and criticism, The Blaze reports.

"I was put on hold for about 5 minutes so that the lady could get her appointment book," one of the brides-to-be, who wishes to remain anonymous, wrote on her profile.

"She took me off hold and said unfortunately she would not be able to schedule an appointment for us because they currently do not service same-sex couples, and it's just not something they do."

Many Facebook users criticised W.W. Bridal's decision.

"Just curous [sic] if these business owners do business with divorcee's . . . as I recall, Jesus had a LOT to say about them!" one person wrote.

"If you're going to follow the Bible and be self-righteous about it, at least follow all of it. Quit picking and choosing which verses you WANT to follow and ignoring those you don't."

Others supported store owner Victoria Miller for standing firm in her Christian beliefs.

"Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven," wrote one woman. "Matthew 5:10. God bless you more!"

Miller does not plan on reversing her store's policy.

"We feel we have to answer to God for what we do," Miller told the Press Enterprise. "And providing those two girls dresses for a sanctified marriage would break God's law."

The Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania shop owner has retained attorney Al Luschas, who reported that providing the couple with wedding dresses would be in opposition to Miller's "firmly and honestly held religious beliefs".

A human rights attorney told PAHomePage that it is legal in Pennsylvania to discriminate based on sexual orientation.