Opposed to same-sex marriage, company ends wedding business

[jpak]

http://www.pressherald.com/news/Opposed-to-same-sex-marriage-company-ends-wedding-business-.html


An Annapolis, Md., company whose old-fashioned trolleys are iconic in the city’s wedding scene has abandoned the nuptial industry rather than serve same-sex couples.

The owner of Discover Annapolis Tours said he decided to walk away from $50,000 in annual revenue instead of compromising his Christian convictions when same-sex marriages become legal in Maryland in less than a week. And he has urged prospective clients to lobby state lawmakers for a religious exemption for wedding vendors.

While most wedding businesses across the country embraced the chance to serve same-sex couples, a small minority has struggled to balance religious beliefs against business interests.

Wedding vendors elsewhere who refused to accommodate same-sex couples have faced discrimination lawsuits — and lost. Legal experts said Discover Annapolis Tours sidesteps legal trouble by avoiding all weddings.

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[PeaceNikki]

1. Don't let the door his your ass on the way out, assholes.

[FreeState]

2. Good - thats the way its supposed to work

If your a company offering a service to the public you cant pick and choose who you offer that service to. Offer it to all or go out of business.

[PeaceNikki]

5. There were likely a number that closed after Loving v. Virginia.

exactly. good. fuck them.

[SoCalDem]

3. When personal animosities & bigotry outweigh one's desire to make a living

perhaps it IS time to "retire" and let someone else perform that service..

good riddance to a foolish person..

[Glitterati]

4. Good riddance

to bad rubbish.

[Ohio Joe]

6. Good

I would rather see assholes like that close up shop then spread their fear, hate and ignorance. Fuck em, we are better off with them gone.

[atreides1]

7. Another buffet Christian

Does he adhere to all of the restrictions, or just the ones he disagrees with...how many of his past customers were divorced , or had premarital sex...both of which are frowned upon in the Bible...but he can look past that for a buck!

Can't say I've read the entire Bible but I don't recall Jesus asking for any special exemption...based on his teachings!

[Laurian]

8. Their loss. Same sex marriage is creating lot more demand for wedding

related services. My guess is that they'll change their tune. After all, money usually trumps everything with these folks. I hope they've damaged their brand too much to get back in the game. Intolerant assholes.

[Glaug-Eldare]

9. Well, he's got the courage of his convictions, anyway.

I completely disagree with his opinion of marriage equality, but I'm pleased that he's doing the "right thing" to express it. Setting aside his position on marriage, this is the mature and legal way to avoid both discrimination and violating his moral beliefs. No axe handles in the doorway, no outrageous insults, no childish kicking and screaming.

I hope that someday he'll change his mind and open his doors to same-sex newlyweds. Annapolis is a beautiful town, and I'd be proud to show it off to anyone, gay or straight.

[spanone]

10. good, get the fuck out, and let the door hit you in the ass.

[Zoeisright]

11. That's really pathetic.

And btw, assholes at Discover Annapolis Tours, bigotry is NOT a "Christian value."

[closeupready]

12. Fine with me. If demand is there, an unbigoted business

will take its place in no time. K&R

[DirkGently]

13. Probably could have made more than $50k if they'd

been able to let go of their bigotry.

[alcibiades_mystery]

14. Some people don't like having MORE business

Dumbasses.

[ismnotwasm]

15. Good

Dumbass.

Now folks can find decent people to marry then instead of this... Creature and his minions.

[DisgustipatedinCA]

16. As the company's name suggests, their main business is conducting bus tours in the area

It's highly unlikely that I'll be in Annapolis anytime soon looking for a bus tour of the city, but you just never know. If I do find myself in that situation, I won't use Discover Annapolis Tours.

[MrSlayer]

17. All this "struggle" is just manufactured poutrage.

I just don't believe people when they say things like this. They're bigots, period. They aren't having any religious struggle, they aren't having a moral crises, they just want to discriminate and they hate that they're not allowed to anymore. That society has passed them by.

Fuck these people, I'm sure there will be several businesses to take the place of this one.