Gay Woman That Donated $20 to Christian-Owned Pizzeria Reveals Why She Took Bold Stand

by McGuire | April 7, 2015 5:15 pm

Over 842,00 was donated to Memories Pizza during its GoFundMe, sponsored because threats made business operations impossible for doors to open. So why does one woman’s donation of $20 stand out so much? Well, she is gay, and while I am sure that the gay community is outraged by her donation to such a cause, she felt that beliefs aside, a business had a reasonable expectation to operate as they saw fit. TheBlaze[1] reports:

[2]

A gay woman who donated $20 to Memories Pizza in Walkerton, Indiana, is speaking out about her decision to take a stand in support of all Americans’ right to live their lives according to their beliefs.

Courtney Hoffman was one of thousands of people who donated over $842,000 to the Christian owners of the pizzeria last week after a high volume of online threats caused the business to temporarily close its doors. The outrage ensued after the owners told a local news crew that they would happily serve gay people in its restaurant, but would refuse to cater a gay wedding.

That’s why Hoffman’s donation stood out. While she clearly disagrees with the owners’ beliefs, she still supports their right to operate their business based on those beliefs. In addition to her $20 donation to Memories Pizza, Hoffman wrote:

“As a member of the gay community, I would like to apologize for the mean spirited attacks on you and your business. I know many gay individuals who fully support your right to stand up for your beliefs and run your business according to those beliefs. We are outraged at the level of hate and intolerance that has been directed at you and I sincerely hope that you are able to rebuild.”

Kris Cruz, a radio host and producer of “The Jeff Adams Show,” was the first person to flag Hoffman’s donation. He then contacted her through Facebook and she agreed to join them on the air Monday.

Cruz started with the “big question” — Why did she do it?

“My girlfriend and I are small business owners, and we think there is a difference between operating in a public market space and then attaching the name of your business to a private event,” she said. “Like, if we were asked to set up at an anti-gay marriage rally, I mean, we would have to decline.”

Exactly! Of course you would have to decline. What ever happened to “We reserve the right to refuse service to ANYONE”? Why is it so incomprehensible that a business may not want to serve you? Why is it a challenge? Why can’t you just accept no for an answer and find another bakery/florist/etc.? I am not saying I agree with any of these practices, and as a small business owner I certainly wouldn’t refuse to provide service to anyone, because I love all people and I could give two hoots who you are sleeping with, but in America, it is a business owners right to refuse. Maybe it sucks for some, and that’s too bad. Intolerance and hate cuts both ways, and instead of sharpening the blade, perhaps we should work on softening the edges of our speech and actions.

Written by Katie McGuire. Follow Katie on Twitter @GOPKatie[3], On Facebook[4], or email the author at KatieFMcGuire@gmail.com