Liberal city compensates farmer for declining to host same-sex weddings
An Uphill Battle: Catholic Farmer Wins 6-Figure Settlement in Landmark Case
An attempt by East Lansing, Michigan, to ban a Catholic farmer from a farmers market due to his refusal to host same-sex weddings on his property has backfired spectacularly. In a groundbreaking settlement, U.S. District Court Judge Paul Mahoney ruled that Stephen Tennes, owner of Country Mill Farms, could collect $42,000 in damages and $783,800 in legal fees after prevailing in his six-year court battle.
The settlement also stipulates that East Lansing cannot enforce vendor guidelines that equate not hosting same-sex weddings with discrimination against Tennes in the future.
The cost to the city of East Lansing for defending the case has already exceeded $292,000, and with the settlement, the total bill will surpass $1.1 million.
Remember Steve Tennes, the devout Christian excluded from the Farmer’s Market who wouldn’t host same-sex marriages?
The city violated his First AmendmentEast Lansing to pay 6-figure settlement in Country Mill farmers market lawsuit https://t.co/3RAmw4x6ll via @LSJNews
— Sandy (@RightGlockMom) December 16, 2023
Tennes, speaking to Fox News, described the difficult decision he and his family faced when the city banned them from the farmers market for adhering to their faith. He expressed gratitude for the court’s ruling, stating that it not only benefits his family but also upholds the rights of individuals with diverse backgrounds and beliefs.
Judge Mahoney had previously ruled in August that the city was in the wrong for punishing Tennes but did not issue an order on damages until now.
Alliance Defending Freedom Senior Counsel Kate Anderson praised the court’s decision, emphasizing that it protects the First Amendment rights of small business owners like Tennes.
Free speech and religious freedom should be celebrated publicly, not silenced.
We’re thrilled to see that Steve Tennes, owner of Country Mill Farms, can now speak and live freely according to his beliefs. pic.twitter.com/JTGdVYffHc
— Alliance Defending Freedom (@ADFLegal) September 4, 2023
The ruling highlighted that East Lansing targeted Tennes based on a social media post in which he stated that his farm would not host same-sex weddings. The farm, which regularly hosts weddings, announced that it would not host any same-sex weddings but would refer inquiries to another orchard with more experience in that area.
After being barred from the farmers market, the farm temporarily ceased hosting weddings for the 2016 season. However, in December 2016, it resumed hosting weddings that did not require Tennes to compromise his principles.
East Lansing subsequently revised its vendor guidelines to include its non-discrimination ordinance and accused the farm of violating it.
Tennes emerged victorious in a jury trial in 2021, as reported by The Detroit News.
The ruling released on Friday concluded that the city’s decision to exclude Country Mill Farms from the 2017 East Lansing Farmer’s Market infringed upon the plaintiffs’ religious beliefs and forced them to choose between their faith and a government benefit for which they were otherwise qualified.
The post 1A Win: Liberal City to Pay 6-Figure Settlement to Farmer Who Refused to Host Gay Weddings appeared first on The Western Journal.
What were the arguments presented by Tennes and his legal team regarding the balance between religious freedom and the rights of the LGBTQ+ community?
“This settlement is a victory not only for Stephen Tennes and his family but for religious freedom in America,” Anderson said.
The case of Stephen Tennes and Country Mill Farms began in 2016 when the city of East Lansing prohibited Tennes from participating in the local farmers market due to his refusal to host same-sex weddings on his property. Tennes, a devout Catholic, held firm to his religious beliefs and cited his First Amendment rights as the basis for his refusal. However, the city of East Lansing viewed Tennes’ stance as discriminatory and sought to exclude him from the market.
The legal battle that ensued lasted for six years and brought significant attention to the issue of religious freedom versus anti-discrimination laws. Tennes and his legal team argued that the city was infringing on his rights by forcing him to violate his deeply-held religious beliefs. The case raised important questions about the balance between religious freedom and the rights of the LGBTQ+ community.
Judge Mahoney’s ruling in August 2023 firmly sided with Tennes, stating that the city had violated his First Amendment rights. However, the issue of damages remained unresolved until now. The recent settlement not only awarded Tennes $42,000 in damages but also required East Lansing to cover his substantial legal fees, amounting to $783,800. The financial burden on the city has far exceeded expectations, with a total cost exceeding $1.1 million.
The repercussions of this case extend far beyond East Lansing. It sets a precedent for how similar disputes may be handled in the future. By acknowledging Tennes’ rights as a small business owner and upholding his freedom to exercise his religion, the court sends a clear message that religious freedom is a fundamental right that must be protected.
For Tennes, this settlement brings both vindication and relief. In an interview with Fox News, he expressed gratitude for the court’s ruling, emphasizing that it not only benefits his family but also ensures that individuals with diverse backgrounds and beliefs are protected.
With the support of organizations like Alliance Defending Freedom, Tennes was able to fight for his rights and secure this landmark settlement. Senior Counsel Kate Anderson praised the court’s decision, recognizing its significance in safeguarding the First Amendment rights of small business owners like Tennes.
As the dust settles on this long and arduous legal battle, it remains evident that the struggle for religious freedom in America is an uphill battle. However, this settlement serves as a reminder that perseverance and steadfastness can lead to victory. By standing up for his faith, Stephen Tennes has not only defended his own rights but has paved the way for others to do the same.
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