Student preaching, foster care rights: 5 important Supreme Court decisions in 2021
Arlene’s Flowers et al v. Washington et al
In July, the Supreme Court issued an order denying the appeal of Christian florist Barronelle Stutzman from Washington state, who was fined for refusing to make a floral arrangement for a same-sex wedding because it went against her religious beliefs.
Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch believed that the court, which had previously vacated a lower court ruling against Stutzman, should have heard the case.
As a result of the appeal denial, Stutzman reached a settlement in November with the same-sex couple that sued her, agreeing to pay them $5,000. She also decided to retire from being a florist.
“I’ve never had to compromise my conscience or go against my faith. I’ve met so many, many kind and wonderful people, who’ve generously offered me their prayers and encouragement and support,” she said in a statement posted online in November.
“There is a great deal of division at work in our country today, but God has shown me again and again that His love is stronger than the anger and the pain so many are feeling. And He’s given me countless opportunities to share His love with others along the way.”
