Tennessee pizzeria owners received a barrage of hateful posts on social media after refusing to accommodate a gay wedding.
Rumors have recently begun circulating that Justin and Amanda Jo Bennett, owners of Pizzeria Cortile in Red Bank, Tennessee, just north of Chattanooga, may refuse to cater a same-sex wedding. According to a direct message screenshot shared by daily mailthe facility confirmed those reports: “We do not accommodate same-sex weddings.”
On Monday, the owners took to social media to clarify their position. “We recently made the difficult decision not to attend the wedding due to personal beliefs,” the message said. Pizzeria Cortile Facebook account Said.
The owners then said they knew they would soon face backlash because of their “personal beliefs.” “This belief comes from a personal belief, which we know is not shared by everyone, but it is something we hold without judgment against others. ” the message continued.
The message also said the restaurant serves “people from all walks of life” and has sought to “create an environment where everyone feels loved and respected.” Additionally, owners expressed that they expected others to respect their personal beliefs.
“Over time, we can find opportunities to give grace and listen to each other, and even though we may not always agree, we can still treat each other with dignity and love.” I hope you don't forget what you can do.”
“Liberals want to shout love to everyone and everyone needs to have their own beliefs, but that means everyone except Christians.”
After the Bennetts restricted replies to certain Facebook posts, users were flooded with thousands of messages on past posts, most accusing the owners of irrational discrimination and “homophobia.” denounced.
One user wrote: “I prefer pizza without homophobic elements.”
“Imagine refusing money because of homophobia… in this economy, that's crazy to me,” another added.
Some went further and called the owners “bigots.”
“There are no two rational sides here. No one asked you to be gay, no one asked you to promote any message. They asked for pizza. And the bigots “I refused. That's what it's all about. It's a black-on-black issue,” one person said.
“You can try to gloss this over with words like 'our personal beliefs,' but what you're doing is discriminating against others. That's bigotry. Yes, plain and simple, I am very disappointed in you all,” said another.
“I hope your business does well,” one user said, while another added, “Enjoy being broke soon.” Both included smiling emojis in their respective posts.
Even former Red Bank Mayor Holly Berry appears to be on the left side, with the city's mission statement promising to “welcome” “all people” and provide “excellent and efficient service.” posted on social media. local 3 news Reported.
However, others pointed out that pizzerias are privately owned and that owners, like LGBTQ+ activists, have the right to express their personal opinions.
“The Supreme Court has ruled on this, and it's not really discrimination. You're free to make your own choices, but so are they. Who are you to expect someone else not to do the same?” ” 1 user I wrote.
Yet another person who claimed to know the Bennetts personally described them as “a very kind and gentle family” and said that critics “don't really know them. No,” he claimed. The person also accused the left of “hateful” hypocrisy.
“It's sad that Christians are so attacked. Liberals want to shout love to everyone and everyone needs to have their own beliefs, but that means everyone except Christians.”
“In case you didn't know, if you own your business, you have the right to do whatever you want.”
Pizzeria Cortile did not respond to the New York Post's request for comment, and Local 3 was unable to reach the Bennetts for comment.
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