Hundreds flock to support Christian florist in her appeal case for refusing gay couple

Hundreds of people gathered outside Bellevue College in Washington on Tuesday to support a Christian florist as the state Supreme Court hears the oral arguments in her case over her refusal to make floral arrangement for the wedding of a gay couple.

Barronelle Stutzman, owner of Arlene's Flowers, cited her Christian beliefs when she turned down the order of Robert Ingersoll and his partner Curt Freed.

Arlene's flowers had been serving Ingersoll for years and the couple was able to order their flowers from another florist but they decided to sue Stutzman with the help of the American Civil Liberties Union, The Christian Post reported.

In 2015, she was found guilty of violating the state's non-discrimination law and was ordered to pay the fine of $1,001 as well as the legal fees incurred by Freed and Ingersoll.

In addition to the lawsuit filed by the gay couple, Attorney General Bob Ferguson also filed a consumer protection lawsuit against Stutzman.

After losing the case in the lower court, the 70-year-old florist and her lawyers at Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) decided to file an appeal to the Washington Supreme Court.

The auditorium, which seats 300 people, was filled to capacity and many were left to gather outside the complex. Some of the supporters held signs that read "Let Freedom Bloom," "Freedom to Create," and "Justice for Barronelle." The crowd was largely composed of Stutzman's supporters but there were also LGBT activists who held rainbow flags.

Stutzman stated after the hearing that the case has larger implications than her own livelihood.

"The government is telling me there is one choice—either I give up my faith and my freedom or I lose everything I own. Rob has the freedom to act on his beliefs and that is all that I am asking, for that same freedom. Our Constitution protects that freedom but it just isn't about my freedom, it is about all of our freedoms," Stutzman said in a statement.

"Protecting our beliefs isn't a negative thing like some people say it is. It's good things like justice, reason, fairness and respect. However this court rules, it will not effect my faith and my love for all," she continued.

ADF attorney Kristen Waggoner, who faced heavy questioning during the oral arguments, was optimistic about the case. She noted that the court seemed interested n hearing their arguments about freedom of expression.

The court is expected to deliver the decision within the next few months. Waggoner stated that there is a possibility that the case might be taken to the U.S. Supreme Court if Stutzman loses her appeal.