Christian Artists Face Prison for Refusing to Make Gay Wedding Invitations
Two Christian business owners in Arizona are facing possible prison time and a $2,500 fine for refusing to make invitations for a same-sex wedding.
Joanna Duka and Breanna Koski own Brush & Nib Studio, a stationery company that makes invitations for different events, including weddings. They are being accused of violating a Phoenix ordinance that protects homosexuals from discrimination.
The city ordinance also prohibits Duka and Koski "from explaining to customers and the public why they could only create art consistent with their beliefs about marriage."
After losing the case at the trial level, the women are now filing an appeal. They are being represented by the religious law firm Alliance Defending Freedom.
"We don't force artists to create artistic expression under threat of jail time," Kristen Waggoner, the ADF attorney representing Duka and Koski, told Fox News.
"Americans don't give up their constitutional rights because they want to earn a living a feed their children, nor do artists," she added.
The women's hearing is expected to be held in the next few weeks.
