Atheists to File Civil Rights Complaint After Florists Refuse to Deliver to Teen Behind Prayer Mural Ban
- Posted on January 20, 2012 at 8:38pm by
Billy Hallowell
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Wherever there’s a case in the U.S. involving atheist activism, the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) is bound to get involved. While it was the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) that defended teen atheist Jessica Ahlquist in her successful quest to have a prayer mural removed from her Rhode Island public high school, the FFRF is also rushing to the young girl’s defense. Citing discrimination, the organization is filing a civil rights complaint after numerous florists refused to deliver flowers to the girl.
The FFRF reportedly tried to have a dozen roses delivered to Ahlquist with the message, ”Congratulations, and hang in there, with admiration from FFRF.” After being denied by three florists in the Cranston, Rhode Island, area, the group was eventually able to secure an order from a business located in Connecticut.
Teen atheist Jessica Ahlquist
According to FFRF Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor, Twins Florist, one of the businesses that refused to deliver, violated the Civil Rights Act when the business discriminated based on Ahlquist’s atheism. Gaylor released the receipt order from the florist, which reads, “I will not deliver to this person.”
See the image of the receipt, below:
Image Credit: Patch/Freedom From Religion Foundation
“We have basic civil rights standards in our society. A business can‘t shun you because you’re an atheist,” the atheist leader said. “You do not have the right to refuse to do business with someone based on categories and that includes religion. It‘s as if they said ’I will not deliver to a black person.’”
The florists, though, disagree with Gaylor’s stance on the matter. Turnto10.com reports that Raymond Santilli of Flowers by Santilli, one of the companies the FFRF attempted to order from, explains that a foundation representative told him that the person delivering the flowers might need police protection. Additionally, he was apparently told that the person would potentially need identification to enter the home.
“We refused the order because we really don’t want to cross lines,” Santilli said. ”If I send flowers there, somebody may get upset with us and retaliate against us.”
He maintains that he has the right to deliver — or not — to whomever he chooses, because he owns the shop.
Twins Florist owner Marina Plowman echoed these sentiments.
“I just chose not to do it. Nothing personal, it was a choice that I made. It was my right, so I did that,” she said. ”I’m an independent owner and I can chose whoever I want, whenever I want.”
(H/T: Patch)
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Comments (529)
Flyingfish
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 11:33pmAs much as I love how you are pushing for the removal of religous nonesense from places it doesn’t belong, you are completely off the mark in thinking a business has to do business with you after you pissed them off.
Feel free to sue them, but you will probably loose.
Report Post »Komponist-ZAH
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 11:45pm“‘…A business can‘t shun you because you’re an atheist,’ the atheist leader said. ‘You do not have the right to refuse to do business with someone based on categories and that includes religion.’”
Yes, it can, and yes, you do. If the law says otherwise, the law is wrong—there is higher Law than that made by men, and when the “law” does not agree with that Law, it is void and immoral.
You do not have a right to force someone to do business with you. Actually, that’s not “doing business with”—it’s slavery.
Report Post »Thingsneed2bsaid
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 11:48pmAt some point in time she may have lost she wont lose now a days remember judges dont really care what the law says any more just what they think should be done , but of course the florist will cave long before it gets to court
Report Post »Mimi24
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 11:57pmLooks like you aren’t too popular in your hometown. Pity.
Report Post »carbonyes
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 12:02amThe Freedom From Religion Foundation And the ACLU just plain suck and pretty much deserve any of the negative things that happen to them.
Report Post »ICRedifURBlue
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 12:03amSomeday she will find herself praying to God for some kind of help, I pray she has the wisdom to recognize His answer…………no answer can be an answer in itself if that is His will.
Report Post »chfields62
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 12:25amPrivate business always has the right to refuse service for any reason. No court in the land has the authority make you do business with anyone…..let her sue…she can’t win….
Report Post »Cesium
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 2:24amYea ok sure, don’t sell to Jews, atheists, or blacks. How about that senerio? Oh but ok not to sell just to atheist? makes a lot of sense. It’s descrimination. A business can refuse you for behavior, or character but this is discrimination.
Report Post »VicksVaporub
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 3:35amFascism in America, wrapped in the flag and waving a cross.
Report Post »Thomas
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 6:29amNow not believing something makes you a protected group? lol
Report Post »Thomas
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 6:34amSince when are people being defined by what they don’t believe? The idea that atheism is a protected group is the most crazy thing I have yet to hear.
Report Post »NOBAMA201258
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 7:04amDoesn’t the Anti Christ Legal Union have better things to do than help this little pig have her 15 minutes of fame? I find it sickening that “you might need ID to enter ahlquists” home but no ID to vote for the most powerful position on the planet What is wrong with the U.S and why do we put up with this crap?
Report Post »Stuck_in_CA
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 7:06amAlmost feel sorry for her. Sure would hate to be in her shoes. God IS keepin’ score!
Report Post »NOBAMA201258
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 7:10amBusinesses have the right to refuse service to anyone,why should this misguided little moron have the right to sue? Come on, let’s hear from our atheist “experts” who really know everything after all don’t they?
Report Post »db321
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 7:12amThis girl is going to be very popular with the boys – she is sending out a message that she has no morals, no ethics, no shame. I have a feeling that that smug smile will soon turn into a permanent look of confusion. She is to young to know what she has done to here life, I totally blame her parents.
Report Post »Tower7_TRUTH
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 7:17amPrivate Property rights which Ron Paul supports would allow the
Report Post »owners to do as they please.
Bill Rowland
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 7:18amWhat happened to “We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone”. Last time I checked you could refuse to sell to or acknowledge anyone you wanted to and you didn’t need a reason.
I hope the business countersue and at least recover the cost of fighting this frivolous law suit.
OMG
Report Post »MYHEROISRON
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 7:30am… a business reserves the right to serve whoever they damn well want to serve, you little twerp!
Report Post »sndrman
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 7:42amany business has the right to refuse you service. it’s a private company and the customer is not always right….all these people and this girl wanna do is get attention and she wants to get her 15 minutes of fame.this is insane how one miserbale person can effect a whole school a tradition…and lawyers are willing to jump in for a few minutes of press…
Report Post »vg0va3
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 8:09amCould this be Heart of Atlanta Motel circa 2012? Perhaps the FFRF wants to try to equate discrimination of atheist with that of blacks in the 1960′s?
“Heart of Atlanta Motel Inc. v. United States, 379 U.S. 241 (1964),[1] [2] was a landmark United States Supreme Court case holding that the U.S. Congress could use the Constitution’s Commerce Clause power to force private businesses to abide by the Civil Rights Act of 1964.”
Report Post »FantaGirl
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 8:33am@ Cesium
You seem to know nothing about America. It is their business. They can choose with whom they conduct their business. You cannot outlaw their decisions in how they run their business. You choose your clients; you choose how you run your business. In other words, if I didn’t like someone, I can choose not to serve them. Discrimination, however, would be forcing a certain race, creed, or gender to live differently in public from another race, creed, or gender. (such as the old “Coloreds” Bathrooms and the “Whites” Bathrooms). And besides he did not refuse her because she is an atheist; he refused her because of the event that took place at the school, for which many people are against her doings, and some people are for. The man did not want to lose business. Living in that town he most likely knows the amount of people that are for or against her doings, and probably decided that this was best for his business.
Here’s a Scenario for you: A child opens a lemonade stand. This child does not like little Bobby down the street, because Bobby has done things that the whole neighborhood knows of that cause them to like or dislike him, some the former, some the latter. The child decides not to serve little Bobby because he is afraid he will lose business because of the fact that many people do not like him.
Yes I know it’s just lemonade, but it’s the same scenario.
Report Post »centenium
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 9:23amI’m also a florist and support their decision. I make decisions like this all the time. I routinely turn down events and customers who support organizations I don’t agree with. No matter how much the government takes this is still the land of the free….and we will take some of it back later this year.
TEA!
Report Post »Rollo2
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 9:26amThe order was not denied because of her religious beliefs, it was because her public behavior possibly made her and anyone she associates with a target for reprisal. And that seems to be the opinion of FFRF, as described by one of the florists.
Report Post »Normwegian
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 9:32amYep, I will not photograph Gay Weddings.
Report Post »Xyskalla
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 10:00amJesus said to love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you (Luke 6:27-28). So is that just a slogan now?
Report Post »turkey13
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 10:03amI would have told the little dummy that all my inventory had been bought up and thanked her and hung up. The little dummy would have then went to the BSLU and sued and would have lost. When the case was in court the owner under oath would have said – (“ I bought the whole inventory from a nursery”). The dummies in the BSLU wouldn’t have been smart enough to catch the truth also. I see this little girl being put in the hospital sooner or later by pis_ing off the wrong people. Some red neck religous nut will catch her on some dark street some night.
Report Post »kellyflorida
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 10:12amThat chick is ugly – because she HATES! I think she’ll become a Muslim soon – they too HATE anyone who believes in God or his son Jesus…..oh there I said the evil word – the haters HATE the word Jesus – it’s hilarious!! Jesus Christ is Lord….oh I feel the hatred already….HA HA HA…
Report Post »StonyBurk
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 10:44amI too hope the atheist will lose.problem is Americans have come to believe that property rights are controlled by the government. Even cookie makers have been sued for refusing to sell to wicked or immoral people. Photographers have been sued for refusing to take photos of same sex fraud.Problem is our Courts are divided -with the loosey goosey unjust judges seeming to have the upper hand. Most of our government has been divided and kept from the Constitution most of my lifetime.So it’s a crap shoot. Then there is also the problem the enemy has by law,thanks to Senator LBJ, unlimited taxpayer funded support –all they need do is file this as if it were a civil right .Most
Report Post »small business and most local communities dont have the money –nor thetime to waste in defending our Rights.
10-32inIdaho
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 12:57pmIt is awesome that people like this girl represented by the UCLU are victems of others forcing their beliefs on them. In order to defend that stance they force their beliefs on others. Pardon me while I sit down my head is kind of spinning!!!!
Report Post »NewpresidentforUSA
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 1:11pmI think all Christians should start cutting off people like this. We should stand our ground and practice our civil rights to refuse to do business or have relationships with people that attack our religious freedoms.
Report Post »Misty Williams
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 2:04pmThese business OWNERS have the right to do business with who they want. If they do not want to be involved in delivering to this person for fear of retaliation, or just because they don’t want to, it‘s no one’s business. This kid has been taught an tricky lesson: If you step on my toes, it wasn’t because my foot just happened to be where you were stepping–it’s because you are discriminating against me, and I can now sue you for it. Of course, the kid and her lawyers have now put themselves in the position of reading the minds of these shop owners, and anyone else who “crosses” her; they can determine it’s based upon her religion or lack of it. Anyone who doesn‘t kiss this brat’s rosy red hiny is obviously not doing it based upon her Atheism according to them. Wonder what will happen if this kid ever figures out that the FFRF is using her? Who will be her lawyer when she wants to sue them for something?
Report Post »boost91
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 2:10pmIm a Christian, and Im all for freedom of religion. If you choose to be Atheist…good for you, but stay the hell out of what others are doing. America is a free Country but, and correct me if Im wrong, it was founded on Christian Principals, and it was a much better place before all of this political correctness bull crap. This is such a waste of time and resources. Clearly this young lady is doing this for attention not because she was really bothered by the prayer mural. If it bothers you…. DONT LOOK AT IT!!!! This country and all of its people are doomed if this trend continues….
Report Post »shiftingcargo
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 3:27pmBusinesses are not like buses, they are like taxi cabs. Taxi’s do not have to stop and pick everyone up like a bus, businesses do not have to do business with everyone. Find a business that will do your bidding. If you can’t, there must be a need for you to start one. Free enterprise and capitalism at its finest.
Report Post »patriot308
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 3:43pmLet’s just say that a business is forced to sell to all, and not discriminate for race, religion or ethnicity. Being an atheist, by definition….. means you are no religion…. so where is the discrimination?????
Report Post »Phoenixsoulfire
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 7:00pmNo one has the right to push their belief or none beliefs, The separation of church and state is to make sure government doesn’t use the church to controll the people like England did. Then we have the freedom of religion letting us practice or belief any way we do if it doesn’t do harm to others. That prayer she got removed was doing no harm. If she said it was making her upset then she can walk in other halls or just not worry about it. Just another example where one can ruin it for many
Report Post »southernloyalty
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 8:28pmAthiesm is being forced on all of us. It in itself is a religion, it is the religion of hatred towards anything Christian, given they never attack Jews, Muslims, Hindus, ect. We must stand up against the religion of Athiesm being pushed on us by the state. Pretty soon atheisim will force all Christianity out of our society. The sight of a church will be deemed offensive, the sight of prayer anywhere will be deemed offensive. Our government has chosen a religion as our founders once feared, that religion is Atheism
Report Post »Git-R-Done
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 8:59pmVicksvaporub – Better than being an atheist Marxist who wants to silence religious freedom and capitalism.
Report Post »LookTowardsTheLight
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 11:16pm@VicksVaporub
Oh give me a break you freaking loser.
People like you bore the p%ss out of me with the fascism talk. Nice avatar, except for the fact that the person you mock is a BILLION times better at life than you are pig.
How about you grow up first before you decide to join an intelligent adult conversation.
Report Post »LookTowardsTheLight
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 11:17pm@Tower7_TRUTH
Go away HItler lover.
Report Post »WeDontNeedNoSteenkinBadges07
Posted on January 22, 2012 at 12:27am“‘A business can‘t shun you because you’re an atheist,’ the atheist leader said.”
WRONG! WE private business owners can shun or kick anyone or any group out of our stores and businesses anytime we like. GET THE HELL OFF OUR LAND!
“the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF)”
Now where have I heard that name before? Oh, yeah:
“NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER Now Under Attack In AMERICA! ** Mike Huckabee Exposes THE GOD HATERS!!”
Report Post »http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrDefIuwZEo
C-Delta Conductor
Posted on January 22, 2012 at 1:53amCesium:
Are you an idiot? I would love to live in that society because I would open a business that sold goods to the groups you mentioned and I would make a killing in profit and put the racist idiots out of business.
The problem with racism/discrimination-based-on-beliefs is when it is codified in law, then I do not have a civil ability to open my hypothetical business, individuals suffer, and the economy suffers.
Report Post »Macman1138
Posted on January 22, 2012 at 10:59amI deal with people every work day I don’t like, I don’t agree with or want to be in the same solar system with.
BUT..I be an adult, do the work…and take their money.
There’s a lesson here, children.
Report Post »bbg1123
Posted on January 22, 2012 at 11:36amWhile everyone is concentrating on the business owners who are well within their right to not do business with someone they choose not to … what about the people who are NOT offended by the sign as it hung where it did for all that time … until this young radical decide she didn’t like it. Isn’t it about time we stop pandering to the few and simply give them common sense advice … If you don’t like the sign … don’t look at it. The people who do like the sign have rights too …. Pay attention to those judges who rule by feeling rather than the Constitution they swore to uphold.
Report Post »ReynMansson
Posted on January 22, 2012 at 1:09pmForget the flowers, the Freedom From Religion Foundation has started a scholarship fund for Jessica Alquist and it passed $32,000 Sunday morning. It is growing at a rate of over $2000 a day and could reach $100,000 by Feb. 29th, the drive’s conclusion. Jessica has been already awarded the Thomas Jefferson $2000 scholarship.
Report Post »islamhater
Posted on January 22, 2012 at 2:31pmWe have the right to refuse service.. Remember these sign‘s in the window’s of buisness’es ? Well i sure do..
Report Post »agrajag
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 8:26amIt depends. Businesses can choose who to do business with, but they cannot legally put up a sign saying: “no blacks” or “no jews”. Being picky is fine, discriminating based on religion or race, is not.
The best part of this entire debacle is how American fundamentalists expose themselves as hateful, intolerant bigots. Death-threaths to a teenager, over the removal of a unconstitutional banner ? Really ? That’s christian love ?
Report Post »SaraD
Posted on January 29, 2012 at 1:08amNope, its illegal. This is good it protects everyone, no can throw you out for your beliefs either. They will lose and they deserve to.
Report Post »WatchingObama
Posted on February 1, 2012 at 11:59am@Cesium
Report Post »You’re a moron.
As business owner I have refused to do business with many sorts of individuals. If a business owner if FORCED to do business with someone then there goes yet another freedom. Now, I can tell you that those whom I refused to do business with went somewhere else and spent their money. They have that choice – freedom to do so. Peroid.
Denying to do business with someone just becuase I choose not to is my RIGHT as an AMERICAN barring racial discrimintion, which I highly am against, I and the millions of business owners have the right to not take someones money… and I don’t have to give a reason either!
TyrannyNoMore
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 11:32pmI’m calling this florist and having flowers delivered to the local church !! We all need to support people who come under attack from the Godless ACLU. I hope they get enough support to fight these bastards and with a counter suit.
Report Post »Mimi24
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 11:55pmThe article says numerous florists refused to deliver orders to her. I support your sentiment though.
Report Post »Karen Wyp
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 8:24amI also will send flowers to a local Church. Great idea!
Report Post »Freetothink...ithink
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 10:23amI am in no way an athiest, however I do support this girls willingness to actually give this topic honest thought. So many of you simply believe because its what you were told to do since you were little. Chances are she will come around one day however there are many people on here not making a strong case for christianity..calling her a pig, dummy, ignorant. I would argue that ignorance is more in tune with blind faith. At least she has given spirituality an honest thought…something I would guess many of you haven’t.
“the unexamined life is not worth living”- Socrates
Report Post »ertdfg
Posted on January 22, 2012 at 1:45amSo she gave this topic honest thought?
And then honestly decided she had the right to force a business to do business with her without then having an option or any say in the matter?
I guess giving religion an honest thought tired her brain out so she couldn’t think anymore?
Report Post »Cherynn
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 11:32pmSorry gay people you cant get married because we have the right to shove our religous beliefs down your throat. It goes both ways people. Its funny you have the nerve to complain about this girl doing the same thing you Christians do,,,,,,,,force your beliefs upon others.
Report Post »Mimi24
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 11:45pmSomeday soon you are going to have a lot of time to reflect on your comments. Do you want to lift your friends up, or drag them down with you?
Report Post »Blue Istari
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 11:46pmI had no problems with homosexuals until they decided they wanted to change the definition of marriage. It’s not my business what two people do together in the bedroom, but it IS my business when they try to validate their lifestyle through legislation and lay claim to an institution that was never meant for them.
Report Post »TulsaYeeHaw
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 12:21amLife is tough Cherynn. It‘s tougher when you’re stupid.
But if you pull your head OUT of you ass, their is a wonderful life waiting for you.
Report Post »Cherynn
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 1:09amI do have a wonderful life and………I’m not a hypocrite.
Do as I say and not as I do sounds like you guys. How stupid is that?
Report Post »Git-R-Done
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 2:13amYes you are a hypocrite and your life sucks.
You have no right to tell religious institutions what to do.
Keep whining how we’re shoving our religion down your throat just by expressing our freedom of speech and our freedom of religion.
Report Post »VicksVaporub
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 3:32amThe religious morons (see above) of the Blaze have spoken.
A Conservatarian
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 3:49amlmao religious morons on the blaze :))
The Holy Rollers had it right! No… the Pentacostals did! NO!… the shakers did! …………
NO THE BAPTISTS DO! No the Methodists! THE MORMONS DO! No, the Catholics are right!
BOOO, go Lutherans – wait the Missouri Synod Lutherans? or the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutherans?
NO! Presbyterians! No, the UNITARIANS!
Blah blah blah. Take your pick. Am I atheist? Nope, but I am A-Theist :) Outside of the realm of the theist debate, as it were ;)
Report Post »NOBAMA201258
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 7:21amCHERYNN Strap on and shut up!
Report Post »rangerp
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 8:38amCherynn
No, actually gay can get married. A gay man can go find a woman, and get her to marry him, just like the rest of us. Two gay man can not get married, because the definition of marriage is the union between a man and woman.
You can not make chocolate milk by adding two equal parts of white milk. You just end up with milk. It takes two seperate ingredients. Marriage is the same.
You are wanting the rest of us to actually change the definition (weather it be legal or religious) to accomidate the evil degenerate sodomites.
Every nation in the history of the world that accepted homosexuality as normal soon afterwards crumbled.
Report Post »Cherynn
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 9:45am“You have no right to tell religious institutions what to do.
Keep whining how we’re shoving our religion down your throat just by expressing our freedom of speech and our freedom of religion.”
And religous institutions have no right to tell me what to do. I have freedom of speech too. People were coupling up thousands of years before they invented Gods so dont give me this crap that its a religous thing. If that was the case why would you need a license issued by the state to get married.
Dont even call it marriage, call it civil unions but you folks cant even go that far. Your religous beliefs trump everyone elses beliefs and you have the RIGHT to control other people and tell them how to live. But I guess to a hypocrite thats what freedom means, freedom for me to control the rights of others.
Report Post »rangerp
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 10:00am@Cherynn
you can spout all the poo poo you want, facts are still facts.
Every superpower nation or civilization in the history of the world that has excepted homosexuality has soon there after fell.
Gays make up 2.5% of our total population. they carry 64% of the syphilis, they contracted 70% of new AIDS cases last year. Lesbians are three times more likely to have an STD. Gays commited one third of the child molestations.
It is a three pronged deal. Our Bible tells us that it is an abomination, and is wicked (we have a first amendment right to believe our Bible and vote as such). World history tells us that they destroy nations,. Medical science and stats tells us that they are disease spreaders, commit sex crimes, have highest alcolhol and drug abuse rates, and that they have the highest suicide rates.
Report Post »Mr_Meaner
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 10:24amDoes being gay cause stupidity, or what?
I love how gays want to change the marriage rules society has considered the norm for thousands of years, demand that they be given victim status every where they go, then claim that WE’RE the ones forcing our beliefs on everyone.
Report Post »If we were forcing our beliefs on you, you wouldn’t be blathering about your gayness, now would you?
Why don’t you go to Iran, and tell them how oppressed you are.
10-32inIdaho
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 1:13pmThe point I think being missed is the government has no place in the joining of two people in a sacred bond. Get the govenment out of our lives. Gays or any person looking for validation through the government really are misguided. Get them out of our lives by not asking their opinion. What is the government’s place? They give tax breaks for couples? Let us stop that. All other issues I have heard from the gay community can be solved with a simple living will. If we get big brother out, we can let people in their communities make their own choices.
Report Post »Cherynn
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 2:52pmHey Mr_Meaner, why dont you move to Iran. You think just like those 6th century morons, you would fit right in.
Report Post »TulsaYeeHaw
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 8:57pmYou don‘t have the right to tell me what I will and won’t recognize as marriage. And we aren’t forcing you to do anything. If you are homosexual, good for you. That is between you and God and whoever your doing whatever with.
I don’t care how you live. I am glad you enjoy your life. But don’t sit here and act like a victim. Marriage is a religious institution, and for whatever reason has gov’t recognition. You want the state to recognize gay marriage. Personally I don’t care either way, but I suspect you don’t want that for any reason other than to eventually FORCE religious orginizations to recognize it also.
Best to you, and know that I realize my sins make me as bad as everyone else.
Report Post »Git-R-Done
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 9:01pmCherynn – Religious people are not telling you what to do. But little atheists like you will lie in order to get whatever you want.
Report Post »Cobenicus
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 9:22pmWTF are you morons talking about? Christianity was accepted by Rome and then it declined. The empires before Chrisitanity were all very accepting of homosexuality. Really, you just spout this crap without actually bothering to read or google or anything?
Sorry for crushing your pathetic ego-maniac fantasies.
Report Post »Cherynn
Posted on January 22, 2012 at 1:29amPlease Git-R-Done, point out what you consider my lies.
Report Post »ChartreuseMuse
Posted on January 22, 2012 at 1:44pmCherynn has a great point there. After shoving your foot down others throats for millenia, suddenly you find the kitchen too hot?
And to those lovely loving Christians who are spewing filth and hate, it’s not the young lady who is asking these businesses to deliver to her, it is the customers who wish to send the flowers to her. The only way I agree with you is that the florist has the right to protect his delivery person from being beaten, taken out, jumped, wasted, etc. – all of the things voiced as desires of you guys to do to this girl – by Christians no less!!!! One could asphyxiate on the irony here!
Report Post »Sadly one can easily view the parallels in this situation to those poor black schoolchildren walking up to the doors of the school in the south some 50 yrs ago. And was it not religious white southerners also doing the mocking and threatening, not atheists?
FoxholeAtheist
Posted on January 25, 2012 at 3:13pmActually, I was informed that god was talking only to the Israelites on gay marriage so unless you’re Jewish, it’s okay to be gay.
Report Post »DirtyDeeds
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 11:31pmMaybe these free thinking atheists of “reason” can figure out another way to get this child some flowers. Like send her a card and a pack of seeds, she will get the thoughtfulness of a card and fresh flowers out of her garden whenever she wants. See I am a Christian and I can use reason to figure out problems in the universe too.
Report Post »smokie
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 5:37pmI’m pretty sure other atheists got their flowers. It was just this one particular girl, atheist or not, was being a complete and total pain in the butt, with her police demands and id showing queenie attitude.
I’m going to call my local florist, and demand a police escort, and id, and say “Praise Jesus” every other sentence when I order the flowers. I‘m sure I’d have a hard time getting delivery, too.
Report Post »ChartreuseMuse
Posted on January 22, 2012 at 1:56pmDo you guys honesty think that it is the girl who is 1) demanding flowers, 2) threatening to file suit, 3) demanding ID, and 4) has the “queenie atittitude (whatever that is – your wife?)
She is under police protection because of all the “Christian love” – aka death threats, she’s receiving from you charlatans. I doubt she even wants the flowers and probably would rather her suit not get wrapped up in a suit against florists!! She‘s also the type who’d rather see the money spent go to a good charity I”m sure (i’ve read her posts).
I‘m flabbergasted that your logic can’t extend this far and see the story clearly but instead your hate has to run right over the facts and blur everything!
Report Post »As far as sending flowers to churches, go right ahead. You won’t have any atheists lined up to beat up the delivery man as he approaches. They can think straight.
bullcrapbuster
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 11:25pm@person……How unchristian of you to critize your fellow blazer.
Report Post »Person
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 11:46pmS’ok, I’m not a Christian.
Report Post »wdittgasn
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 11:21pmHey Blaze, I agree with word weaver, Get rid of the moving crap while I am trying to read an article. That is so #@%%&*((*& annoying!
Report Post »Mimi24
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 1:21amIt is. And if you are so stupid that you can’t figure out how to get rid of it then maybe you are too Stupid to post.
Report Post »UrbanCombatSurvivor
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 4:30amOr, you could use a script blocker, take responsibility for your OWN damn browsing experience,and stop demanding that others bow to what you want, rather than taking action for yourself.
:)
Report Post »conservativewoman
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 11:19pmIt seems appropriate that she get a taste of her own medicine.
Report Post »wdittgasn
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 11:18pmThe desires of the one outweigh the desires of the many! how many want the mural and how many don’t?? I think she just wants attention and to sue the florists like someone posted.
Report Post »beverlee
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 12:25amIt was her public service project to get into an ivy league university. I’m sure they are very proud of her.
Report Post »MCDAVE
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 11:12pmNo law states you have to do business…I have turned down customers i felt would not be in my best interests to work for..
Report Post »its_time_to_arrest_our_government
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 11:22pmwe have the right to refuse service to anyone. got it commie? take your non believing butt elsewhere find an atheist to buy your flowers from. they dont have to sell to trash like your kind.
Report Post »Git-R-Done
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 11:23pmLeft wingers don’t believe that business owners should have any rights. They think that you should invest the time and money into the businesses and then the government gets to control and reap the benefits of the businesses.
Report Post »Pontiac
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 11:32pm[got it commie?]
Can you point to anything that makes her communist? I haven’t seen any evidence of that…
[they dont have to sell to trash like your kind.]
Report Post »My, how very “christian”…
Git-R-Done
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 2:16amPontiac – Jesus turned away evil people.
And she’s a communist by forcing businesses to have to provide her service.
Report Post »Pontiac
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 10:13am[Jesus turned away evil people.]
Funny I don’t remember hearing that scripture. If evil people are determined by “saints” like you people we’d probably all be out of business. But I don’t disagree with the a business having the choice, just with the nimrods calling people evil communist trash when I haven’t seen anything to back that up.
[FFRF reportedly tried to have a dozen roses delivered to Ahlquist with the message, ”Congratulations, and hang in there, with admiration from FFRF.”]
Report Post »[the organization is filing a civil rights complaint after numerous florists refused to deliver flowers to the girl.]
Who’s forcing who? Unless I missed something skimming back through the story I am not seeing her involvement in this lawsuit. It’s the FFRF that placed orders, it’s the FFRF filing charges. The only thing she ever did was force a GOVERNMENT school (not a private school) out of displaying religious propaganda. Boofreakinghoo. You still got your church, you still got your home, you still got the bumper of your car to stick all the religious doodads you want on them. I don’t need my tax dollars going to schools that display christian, islamic, jewish, or scientologist prayers on the walls. It’s not governments job to push religion. If it ever is you should be very afraid because they will and do warp the hell out of it.
smokie
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 5:22pmI also will not do work with a person or business that is not worth the time, money, or trouble. You can usually tell in the first five minute interview if they are going to be an unprofessional hassle.
I have bills to pay, I can’t babysit neurotics who feel they finally got their tiny scrap of attention. In the long run, it’s never worth the money, and costs you other clients with the time they steal.
Rhode Island is a small state, word might have got around that she was a very needy customer, the type to call every five minutes about every imagined little problem with her order.
Report Post »Pontiac
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 6:01pm@smokie
[word might have got around that she was a very needy customer, the type to call every five minutes about every imagined little problem with her order.]
Again…
She wasn’t the customer.
She wasn’t ordering flowers.
She wasn’t sending flowers to herself.
She is not suing the florist.
Can you people fail at reading & comprehension any harder?
Report Post »wordweaver
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 11:10pmHey Blaze, if you keep embedding these video ads that automatically kick off when I select an article, then I’m outta here. You decide.
Report Post »conbones
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 11:17pmbye bye:)
Report Post »Pontiac
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 11:35pmIt’s a third party site video.
Report Post »The Blaze doesn’t make the effort to acquire and stream their own content.
Get Firefox + Adblock Plus
Video lower video will still start on its own, but not with the ads.
OutofSympathy
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 11:07pmPfffft. BS a business has the right to refuse service to anyone they don’t want to. No shirt, no shoes, no God NO SERVICE. Just another useless, baseless lawsuit. Call another florist. IF you don‘t want to use a business due to their practices then perhaps they should have the equal right not to serve you if you actually offend their sensibilities don’t ya think?
Report Post »abbygirl1994
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 11:04pmThis little girl has a big surprise.. any business can deny anyone for sales to anyone.. I feel very sad for this girl who has been brainwashed… now she is on the power trip.. I don’t know who is paying for all of her suing, does anyone know if her parents are footing the bill… are they rich, or is someone else more despecable (sp) doing it??
Report Post »agrajag
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 8:38amSo my private bussiness should, in your enligthened opinion, be perfectly free to put up a sign saying “no blacks” or “no jews” ?
Is discriminating against customers based on their religious affiliation ok, or not ok, in your opinion ?
Report Post »Suchiazski
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 11:02pmI have nothing against atheists, but people who force it down others’ throats are the worst kind of garbage. And she even said she isn’t trying to force her beliefs on others. That is complete crap. I want to strangle her, but that would be untoward. Maybe one of her disparaged religious friends can do it for me.
Report Post »Person
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 11:08pmYou want to strangle her? How christian of you.
Report Post »Nick84
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 11:09pmIt’s ridiculous that in America “pushing atheism down peoples’ throats” means stopping Christians from doing exactly that.
Report Post »Suchiazski
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 11:22pmPerson, that‘s okay because I’m not Christian.
Report Post »ashestoashes
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 11:27pmMadayln O’hair..the woman who took credit for taking prayer out of school and who founded the American Atheist Organization was murdered along with her son and grand daughter..by someone in her own organization..
Report Post »its_time_to_arrest_our_government
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 11:28pmthere comes a point where we will no longer turn the other cheek but take up arms and rid our nation of this trash. like our founders did when they had had enough. you lowlife commies want a war? keep pushing and see what you get. we’ve had enough of your crap.
Report Post »V-Forge
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 12:58amI love the “How christian of you ” Snipers here. You bunch of toads are not wanted here. take your religious hate someplace else. Please stop with the holier than thou attitude. Your entire group would slaughter every christian you could round up. You talk like your so pure next to a christian. you attack ideas like love your neighbor when you spend all your energy as if that would be a bad thing.. Soo oppressive that be kind to others stuff. The truth is you are immoral trash that wants no standards of conduct to be judged by. Where does that line fall.. Is it okay for you to murder, cheat and steal? You have no morals. You are all animals that should have never left the trees with the rest of us. You fight every attempt to live by a proven moral code and attack the morality if anybody dares fall short of it. Most Christians live by a decent set of standards and are far better people then your entire bunch. Christian morality made the world better and built America. what did you do? You complained and attacked the opposite view. Our morals that you hate so much gave you the right to be who YOU are and leave us alone but that just is not enough. Your perverted need to dominate us to validate your immorality is beginning to go way too far. So sorry, we do want you to go away because you would not leave us alone. We want peace but you won’t let us have it. Go starve in the street, you will have no help from me as long as you try to take my religion from me.
Report Post »J Dubs
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 11:01pmWe have basic civil rights standards in our society. A business can‘t shun you because you’re an atheist….Um yeah, they actually can! Welcome to free will in (what is for now at least) a FREE country!
Report Post »proantisocialist
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 10:59pmWe the beleivers reserve the right to not to serve you!
Report Post »Mimi24
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 10:58pmHa! Wait until she tries to find a job in her hometown. Better pack your bags honey.
Report Post »SeekerEmerald
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 7:53amThis is VERY true, but not because she is an atheist. What business will want to hire a muckraker?
Report Post »“I see you have a history of using the courts to change things you don’t like by suing. We look forward to having you as an employee, and we can’t wait to see what your first lawsuit will be so we can spend tons of money either defending our policy, or changing it.”
maccow
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 10:57pmThe FFRF is a money grabbing family scam just like the God Hates F@Gs Church. First they offend outrageously, and then look for someone to sue so they can cash in. They set up the flower shops for this purpose. How many flower shops agreed to deliver before they got a no? Notice they targeted Mom and Pop florists rather than the big outlets because they knew the had a better chance of getting a no. I bet they researched whether or not they were in a liberal judges district so they will get a huge pay out on this scam. Who cares if the wreck innocent flower shops in their pursuit of money.
STOP THESE SCAMS. Stand up America.
Report Post »NOBAMA201258
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 7:16am@MACCOW -Yeah some liberal AH judge will rule in the aclu’s favor,can you say white Christian backlash?
Report Post »snufy
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 10:55pmWhat is going on with the Satanistic movements? This crap must be nipped in the bud. Remember how the anti-smoking stuff got started? It started with commercial planes banning smoking, which I do not disagree with, but give those whackos an inch and they take a mile. The florist is exactly right. It’s his business and he can do or not do whatever he wants. Too damn bad if someone doesn’t like it. It’s a private business.
Report Post »mils
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 10:59pmPrivate business is just that, private and can turn down anything they choose
Report Post »…however, the atheists will win in today’s America
bjornskis
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 10:55pmI own a business and if for any reason I don‘t want to do something I don’t
Maybe she should buy her flowers from the ACLU
Report Post »10-32inIdaho
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 1:31pmNext law suit, that flower shop refused to deliver balloons to her. It is what I wanted and doesn’t matter what they do, sell fllowers not balloons. After all it is all about what I demand.
Report Post »chips1
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 7:11pmSeems strange that if she doesn’t believe in God, that someone would decide to send her some of God’s beautiful creations. Why not send her a copy of the koran? God didn’t make that!!!!
Report Post »Sunkistadora
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 10:55pmI’m so sick of the self entitlement mentality especially with the younger generation. Someone needs to remind them that they are free to shop at whatever flower shop they want. And a private business owner should be able to serve whomever they choose knowing the consequences of their actions. More private business owners need to step up like this one. Bravo!
Report Post »Mimi24
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 10:54pmGood for the florists. I’m not an attorney, but I believe this is still America and business owners have the right to refuse service to anyone, for any reason.
Report Post »antiencenom
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 11:04pmDidn’t a well known dating service get sued(and lost because they didn‘t have gay dating service Yes I think so Things are getting very bad when I can’t refuse service to any one for any reason.
Report Post »chips1
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 7:29pmANTI:
Report Post »How in the world did you get a picture of baby Obama? Was that taken in Kenya?
PJL
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 10:51pmThey do have the right not to deliver period.
Report Post »db321
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 11:00pmGood for them – I applaud both florist them.
Report Post »Patriotme
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 10:50pm“We have basic civil rights standards in our society. A business can‘t shun you because you’re an atheist.” Yeah, and a president‘s administration shouldn’t violate our First Amendment rights by forcing businesses to pay for contraception in their health care coverage, either. I guess anything goes as long as it’s in favor of non-Christians.
Report Post »DisarmoniaMundi
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 10:48pmWhiny, petulant, pathetic, and grotesque. A product of a (pop)culture gone horribly wrong.
Report Post »AverageLibertarian
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 10:46pmA business should be able to shun you… You have the option of shopping elsewhere. That is the beauty of the free market.
Report Post »DisarmoniaMundi
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 10:51pmunfortunately we‘re stuck with a portion of the populous that’s willing to shun the free market system in exchange for touchy-feel goody feewings and wainbows. As long as there’s a chicken in every pot, who needs the free market system? Somewhere along those lines lies their warped thinking process.
Report Post »Git-R-Done
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 11:13pmAnd that’s one of the reasons why the left wants to destroy the free market.
Report Post »Restore the Republic
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 11:33pmI see. so you support religious discrimination.
Report Post »spasm
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 7:55amno its called supporting freedom and sometimes that includes discrimination. would you do business with someone who molested children? if you wont then you discriminate… see, intolerance is sometimes a good thing and you dont always get to determine the norm that it is excepted. if you are part of the minority and freedom still exist then you get to be protected.
Report Post »