Fined and Forced, Christian Owners make Drastic Decision
By Joseph DeCaro, Worthy News Correspondent
NEW YORK (Worthy News)– A Christian couple who were fined after refusing to hold a gay wedding on their New York farm have decided that they will no longer host any wedding ceremonies on their property, according to TheBlaze.
“Since the order essentially compelled them to do all ceremonies, or none at all, they have chosen the latter in order to stay true to their religious convictions, even though it will likely hurt their business,” attorney James Trainor told TheBlaze.
However, Cynthia and Robert Gifford will continue hosting wedding receptions, including those for same-sex couples.
The decision came after a lesbian couple approached the Giffords — owners of Liberty Ridge Farm, a special events venue in Schaghticoke — in 2012 and asked about holding their same-sex ceremony there.
The Giffords — who believe that marriage is only between a man and a woman — said that the couple were welcome to hold their reception on the property, but not the actual ceremony. Instead, the two lesbians filed a complaint with the New York’s Division of Human Rights, claiming discrimination on account of their same-sex orientation.
Judge Migdalia Pares ruled that even though the Giffords live on the premises, Liberty Ridge Farm is a public accommodation that rents space and collects fees.
In addition to fines, New York State is forcing the Giffords to instruct their employees on New York state’s view of marriage, which is a contradiction of their biblical belief.
The family has not yet decided if it will appeal Judge Pares’s ruling.