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Amazon, Microsoft: Uphold gay anti-discrimination decision

Published  May 9, 2016 5:26pm PDT
Associated Press

RICHLAND, Wash. (AP) -- Prominent Washington businesses from Amazon to Microsoft say the Washington Supreme Court should uphold a decision ordering a Richland florist to stop discriminating against same-sex couples.

The Tri-City Herald reports (http://goo.gl/b9MGKT ) that 14 businesses, which also include REI, Expedia, Group Health and the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, filed a 20-page court brief in the nationally-known case.

The Benton County Superior Court found the refusal to provide flowers because of sexual orientation by Adele's Flowers owner Barronelle Stutzman violated Washington's anti-discrimination and consumer-protection laws.

Stutzman has appealed, saying she believes the decision prevents her from practicing her Southern Baptist faith.

The businesses argue in the brief they and others in the state would be negatively impacted, economically and otherwise, by a ruling allowing for discriminatory treatment.