A 77-year-old Christian florist will pay $5,000 to end a 10-year legal battle over her refusal to provide floral arrangements for a same-sex wedding ceremony. She has also announced that she will retire so that her flower shop can be run by her employees.
Barronelle Stutzman of Arlene’s Flowers in Richland, Washington, was sued by Rob Ingersoll, a man she had done business with in the past, because she refused to provide a floral arrangement for his same-sex wedding in 2013, citing her Christian beliefs as her reason.
Both Ingersoll and his partner filed a lawsuit against Stutzman. In 2015, she was issued with a $1,000 (£723) fine by a court in Washington.
Earlier this year, the US Supreme Court rejected for a second time the petition by Stutzman for an appeal hearing, after suffering several defeats in lower courts. Alliance Defending Freedom, which represents Stutzman, has now reached a settlement with the couple to avoid paying ‘potentially ruinous attorneys’ fees’.
She said: ‘I’ve never had to compromise my conscience or go against my faith. I’ve met so many, many kind and wonderful people, who’ve generously offered me their prayers and encouragement and support.
‘There is a great deal of division at work in our country today, but God has shown me again and again that His love is stronger than the anger and the pain so many are feeling. And He’s given me countless opportunities to share His love with others along the way.’
