AG seeks $2,000 penalty in gay wedding flower case
OLYMPIA -- The florist who was found guilty of violating state law by refusing to provide flowers for a same-sex wedding should pay a $2,000 penalty.
But State Attorney General Bob Ferguson said court costs and fees should only be $1 if Barronnelle Stutzman agrees not to discriminate again.
Ferguson said Thursday he will have staff draw up papers to settle the case on for the penalty, the $1 fee and the non-discrimination agreement after a Benton County Superior Court judge ruled Wednesday Stutzman had violated the state's Consumer Protection Act by refusing to provide flowers for a same-sex couple's wedding. She had argued her religious beliefs consider marriage only between one man and one woman, and wouldn't allow her to participate in the wedding by providing flowers.
“Before this case began, my office wrote to Ms. Stutzman, asking her to comply with state law," Ferguson said in a press release. "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. "
