Two Christian business owners in Arizona may face up to six months in jail for refusing to create invitations for a gay wedding.
The Blaze reports that Joanna Duka and Breanna Koski are the owners of a Phoenix-based stationery company that produces wedding invitations and other types of cards. Duka and Koski recently refused to create wedding invitations for a same-sex marriage, citing their religious beliefs.
Duka and Koski are now under fire for violating a Phoenix ordinance protecting gay people from discrimination. They are facing a fine of up to $2,500 as well as six months in prison.
The religious-based law firm Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) is representing the business owners.
ADF lawyer Jonathan Scruggs is optimistic about Duka’s and Koski’s case.
“We fully expect to have a hearing in the next few weeks on our motion for preliminary injunction and to have the Arizona superior court grant our motion and vindicate the free speech and religious liberty rights of our clients,” he told Charisma News. “No American, including artists, should have the government force them to create art against their artistic and religious beliefs.”
Kristen Waggoner, another lawyer representing the two women, added that it is un-American to threaten someone with jail time for their commitment to their religious beliefs.
Photo courtesy: Thinkstockphotos.com
Publication date: December 5, 2016