Even in age of post marriage equality, bigotry is still alive. Bob and Genie Flournoy wanted to make extra sure that only heterosexual couples need apply to hold a wedding at their east Texas bed and breakfast. The venue’s website seems fairly non-ambiguous about whose business they prefer:
“We are committed to the home and family as set forth in the Bible. We believe that God has ordained and created marriage to exist between one man and one woman.”
Okay, that’s pretty obvious. But just to make it SUPER clear, they took out an ad in their local paper.
“Our Christian faith demands that we not participate in same-sex, transgender or any other perversion of marriage. If you disagree with our stance on marriage, please respect our Christian belief and have your wedding elsewhere.”
Wow. Okay. Got it.
Texas is one of 21 states that have passed Religious Freedom Restoration Acts, so it’s not like the Flournoys were in any great danger of having their “Christian beliefs” repressed by the LGBT community.
Mr. Flournoy pens a blog on his business’s website and expounded on his decision to offer his services to only heterosexual couples, and cited 2015’s marriage equality Supreme Court case to emphasize his feelings on the matter:
“The recent and ungodly Obergefeld decision out of the Supreme Court permits other than one man and one woman to marry. This, in my opinion, is the single most destructive decision of good order in America that has ever been rendered. It adversely affects all of society and elevates man as supreme ruler of the universe. It is contrary to the explicit admonitions of God and as a result we can no longer expect the blessings of God upon this Nation.”
As a Texan, a gay woman, and a licensed attorney, I would likely say that Korematsu v. United States (the case that allowed Japanese internment during World War II) or Citizens United v. FEC (which said that corporations are people) were a little more harmful to the fabric of our country than allowing people in love to get married. But that’s just my opinion. He’s entitled to his as well.
If and when I do decide to get married, don’t worry Mr. Flournoy, your venue won’t be on the list.
Looks like we had a long way to go for equality, eh?
John Oliver explains why:
Feature image via Youtube screengrab.
