News (USA)

Bridal shop won’t serve lesbian couples because it ‘would break God’s law’

Bridal shop won’t serve lesbian couples because it ‘would break God’s law’

BLOOMSBURG, Pa. — A bridal store’s refusal to sell wedding gowns to a same-sex couple is stirring debate in a central Pennsylvania town.

W.W. Bridal, Bloomsburg, Pa.
W.W. Bridal, Bloomsburg, Pa.

The Press Enterprise reports two women — who wish to remain anonymous — tried to schedule an appointment at W.W. Bridal Boutique in Bloomsburg, Pa., but were turned down after the shop owner learned they were a lesbian couple.

One of the two women says she was placed on hold for several minutes, then told, “Unfortunately she would not be able to schedule an appointment for us because they currently do not service same-sex couples — it’s just not something they do.”

“We feel we have to answer to God for what we do and providing those two girls dresses for a sanctified marriage would break God’s law,” says owner Victoria Miller.

Bloomsburg Town Council plans to discuss the incident at a meeting on Monday. Council members say they will consider whether to propose legislation to ban businesses from refusing to serve gays and lesbians.

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Miller’s attorney, Al Luschas, says the shop owner has a “liberty interest” in refusing to take part in a process that would violate “firmly and honestly held religious beliefs.”

Although same-sex marriage is legal in Pennsylvania, there are no state laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Last year, Pennsylvania lawmakers introduced a sweeping bill that would have established these protections, but it has yet to advance.

Last month, a wedding facility in North Abington Township, Pa., also came under fire for refusing to allow a same-sex couple to marry at its facility.

Associated Press contributed to this report.
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