Arizona AG Mark Brnovich issues statement on Brush & Nib case
Dec 29, 2018, 10:34 AM | Updated: 8:50 pm
(Facebook Photo)
(Facebook Photo)
PHOENIX — Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich issued a statement on Friday regarding the Arizona Supreme Court case of Brush & Nib Studio vs. The City of Phoenix.
The case tackles the issue of whether the studio is required by law to provide their services, which include creating custom wedding invitations and other artistic wedding materials, to same-sex couples despite their religious beliefs.
“Hate-based discrimination towards any group of people has no place in our public accommodations. The idea that a government could fine and jail these two women for choosing to not create custom made art in conflict with their religious beliefs is wrong,” Brnovich said.
“Our brief seeks a balance to keep the anti-discrimination ordinance in place and respect the religious beliefs and property rights of individuals engaged in faith-based artistic expression.”
Studio owners Breanna Koski and Joanna Duka, who describe themselves as Christians according to the Arizona Capitol Times, originally filed a peremptory lawsuit asking for the courts to rule on their right to refusal to serve same-sex couples.
After an unfavorable ruling by a trial judge and by appellate Judge Lawrence Winthrop, the women have taken the issue all the way to the state’s highest court.
The hearing is set for Jan. 22nd.
The penalty for violating the anti-discrimination ordinance can be up to six months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Ashley Flood contributed to this report.
