Farmer’s Religious Freedom Protected
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Farmer’s Religious Freedom Protected
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Steve Tennes was banned from his city’s farmers’ market over his religious beliefs. Thankfully, a federal judge decided to rule in his favor.
From CBN. A federal district court has ruled that a Christian farmer in Michigan is free to participate in his local farmer’s market after city officials banned him from the event because of his biblical viewpoint on marriage.
Have you taken your place on the wall?
U.S. District Judge Paul L. Maloney ruled Monday that East Lansing officials cannot lawfully bar Country Mill Farms from its annual farmer’s market due to owner Stephen Tennes’ refusal to host same-sex weddings on the farm’s property. …
[Maloney wrote,] “a policy that forces a person to choose between observing [their] religious beliefs and receiving a generally available government benefit for which [they are] otherwise qualified burdens [their] free exercise rights. The reason is simple: denying a person an equal share of the rights, benefits, and privileges enjoyed by other citizens because of [their] faith discourages religious activity.”
As CBN News reported, Steve and Bridget Tennes operate their orchard in Charlotte, Michigan and they host weddings on their farm.
The Christian family used to set up a booth at the East Lansing Farmer’s Market to sell their produce, but in 2017 officials decided to punish them after the family posted on Facebook that they believe marriage is between a man and a woman and would not host LGBTQ weddings on their property. …
However, the City of East Lansing barred Tennes from participating after that year …
But City officials asserted that the Tennes’ expression conflicted with East Lansing’s marriage views and its new market policy. …
According to the policy, it’s illegal for anyone to “make a statement which indicates that an individual’s patronage or presence at a place of public accommodation is unwelcome or unacceptable because of sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression…” among other designated classes.
The family brought their case before a federal court to obtain a permanent ruling.
The non-profit legal group, Alliance Defending Freedom, represented the Tennes family. …
Are you encouraged by this story? If so, share it with your friends and family to encourage them!
(Excerpt from CBN. Photo Credit: EKATERINA BOLOVTSOVA/Pexels)
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Comments
Knowing Steve Tennes for years now, I was thrilled for his boldness and victory in this case! May it encourage others to be bold in defending their rights!
I thank you for an honest judge, Lord. They are few and far between these days. Thank you for righteous judges and may we have many more in our courts that stand up for your people.
Thank you Jesus!
We praise You, O God, for Your intervention in this case. We know that You hate injustice. You are a good, good God and we are so grateful that You gave victory in court for this family, who seeks to honor You. May this victory spread to other cases and court where the righteous are being persecuted for their faith. Show Yourself strong and may this serve to make You known and honored throughout our land. All glory to God!
I thank You Lord for those stand up for Your values. This is very encouraging
Having grown up on a farm, I’m particularly encouraged by this reaffirmation of our constitutional rights.
Lord, protect our religious freedom from coast to coast!