Washington AG Releases Statement Regarding Richland Same-Sex Descrimination Case

In light of yesterday’s Benton County Superior Court ruling that a Richland florist violated Washington’s Consumer Protection Act by refusing to serve a same-sex couple seeking to buy wedding flowers in 2013, Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson released a statement Thursday afternoon.

“My primary goal has always been to bring about an end to the Defendants’ unlawful conduct and to make clear that I will not tolerate discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation,” said Ferguson.

“Before this case began, my office wrote to Ms. Stutzman, asking her to comply with state law.  Had she agreed to no longer discriminate, my office would not have filed suit, and Ms. Stutzman would not have paid any costs, fees or penalties.

“After lengthy proceedings, the court has ruled, the law is clear, and the state prevailed on all counts.

“Today, I am prepared to settle this matter for a penalty of $2,000 under the Consumer Protection Act, a $1 payment for costs and fees, an agreement not to discriminate in the future, and an end to further litigation.

“I have asked my legal team to craft and present a formal settlement offer to the defendants including these elements.”

The case stemmed from the refusal by Richland florist Barronelle Stutzman, doing business as Arlene’s Flowers and Gifts, to supply flowers for a wedding ordered by the couple getting married, Robert Ingersoll and Curt Freed. Stutzman said that she would not supply the flowers based on her religious beliefs.