Christian auto shop owner in Michigan vows to deny service to gay customers

GRANDVILLE, Mich. — The owner of a Michigan auto repair shop says he won’t hesitate “to refuse service to an openly gay person or persons.”

WOOD-TV reports that Brian Klawiter, the owner of Dieseltec in Grandville, posted the statement to his company’s Facebook page on Tuesday because he says the voices of those who have Christian, conservative values are often overshadowed by those who do not.

“I would not hesitate to refuse service to an openly gay person or persons. Homosexuality is wrong, period,” Klawiter wrote. “If you want to argue this fact with me then I will put your vehicle together with all bolts and no nuts and you can see how that works.”

WOOD-TV has more:

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Since WOOD-TV’s report first aired, Klawiter claims he is now getting threats against his life and needs protection.

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Michigan does not prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, though several municipalities have local ordinances that do. Grand Rapids and East Grand Rapids are among the West Michigan cities that have ordinances that prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Grandville, however, has no such ordinance.

Grandville Mayor Steve Maas said he’s open to discussing one, but that the citizens would have to ask for it.