Aaron and Melissa Klein

Aaron and Melissa Klein's dream of opening a dessert shop near Portland, Oregon turned into a nightmare when two lesbians refused to take "no" for an answer on their request for a same-sex wedding cake. In January 2013, the Kleins explained that they couldn't take the order because it would violate their faith to participate in a same-sex marriage ceremony. Furious, the women filed a complaint with the state. Due to public pressure, the Kleins were forced to close the shop in Gresham and operate out of their home, where they continued to be the objects of harassment and vandalism. Investigators from the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries ruled late that the couple was guilty of discrimination and ordered the Kleins to settle. Facing up to $150,000 in damages, Aaron and Melissa made it clear that they were willing to pay a far steeper price to stand up for Christ.

The story made national headlines, as the young couple became another face in the war on religious liberty. "We still stand by what we believe from the beginning," Aaron told reporters. "I'm not sure what the future holds, but as far as where we're at right now... it's almost as if the state is hostile toward Christian businesses." In a January 2, 2015 ruling, as part of his 52-page order, Judge Alan McCullough claimed that "requir[ing] them to provide a wedding cake for Complainants does not constitute compelled speech." At time of publication, the Kleins' case is under appeal.

Angela Hildenbrand

Angela Hildenbrand, valedictorian of the 2011 class at Medina Valley High School near San Antonio, Texas, was threatened with jail were she to pray during her graduation ceremony address.

Angela McCaskill

On October 10, 2012, Gallaudet University President Alan Hurwitz announced the suspension of a senior employee for supporting the right of the people to support traditional marriage. Dr. Angela McCaskill, a 23-year veteran who earned the school's first Ph.D. as a deaf African-American woman, was suspended for supporting Maryland's Question 6, a state referendum supporting Marylander's right to vote on marriage definition. At an October 16 press conference, McCaskill said she felt bullied for participating in the democratic process. "It's been very hurtful," she said, "because I have nothing but love and support for everyone. And to have this tarnishing my name, my reputation, my character, it hurts." After three months, Gallaudet University reinstated McCaskill. On January 7, 2013, President Hurwitz released a statement to students and faculty, saying he was "appreciative" of the campus's "willingness to consider the differing views others may hold." Asked by a reporter if she had a message for those who don't welcome her return, she said simply, "I'll pray for them."

Barronelle Stutzman

After a longtime business relationship with an openly gay customer, Barronelle Stutzman, owner of Arlene's Flowers in Richland, Washington, found herself fighting for her rights. When her client, Robert Ingersoll, stopped by Arlene's Flowers in March to make arrangements for his upcoming wedding, Barronelle kindly told him that she couldn't help. As a Christian, she explained, she objected to court-created same-sex marriage on moral grounds. Robert said he respected her opinion, the two hugged, and parted ways. However, Ingersoll and the Washington State Attorney General sued Arlene's Flowers for sexual discrimination. While Arlene's Flowers had catered to all patrons, including people who identify as homosexual, for many years, Barronelle believed that "Marriage has religious significance, apart from any civil significance and that servicing a gay "marriage" would compel her to express a message with her creativity that violates God's commands.

On February 18, 2015, Benton County Superior Court Judge Alexander Ekstrom ruled that the floral artist and grandmother must provide full support for wedding ceremonies that are contrary to her faith. Attorney General Bob Ferguson made a settlement offer on February 19, 2015. On February 20, 2015, Barronelle sent a letter declining the offered settlement. "Your offer reveals that you don't really understand me or what this conflict is all about," Stutzman explained. "It's about freedom, not money."

Betty and Richard Odgaard

Betty and Richard Odgaard, the Mennonite owners of G�rtz Haus Gallery, declined to facilitate a court-created same-sex wedding ceremony and have faced punitive action by the Iowa Civil Rights Commission. In August 2013, when Lee Stafford and Jared Ellers approached the Grimes, Iowa couple to request the venue for a same-sex marriage ceremony, the Odgaards declined to personally plan, host, and facilitate the ceremony because doing so would run counter to their beliefs. Stafford and Ellers filed a complaint with the Iowa Civil Rights Commission. On October 7, 2013, The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty filed a lawsuit in Iowa state court, seeking protection for the Odgaards from being forced to facilitate a religious ceremony that would violate their religious convictions. In December 2014, facing mounting legal fees, the Odgaards settled the complaint by the two men. Stafford and Ellers were awarded $5,000 and the Odgaards announced they were choosing to stop hosting all weddings.

Blaine Adamson

On March 26, 2012, the Gay and Lesbian Services Organization (GLSO) of Lexington, Kentucky filed a complaint with the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Human Rights Commission against the Lexington based printing company, Hands On Originals. When the GLSO requested that Hands On Originals print t-shirts for the Lexington Pride Festival, owner Blaine Adamson declined, saying Hands On was a Christian company, and as such, it was their prerogative to decline any orders that endorsed positions in conflict with the convictions of the ownership. Adamson referred the GLSO to another printer and eventually got their shirts free of charge. In October 2014, after 24 months of back-and-forth, the Commission issued its ruling, finding the business guilty of breaking the town's "fairness" ordinance and ordered reeducation known as "diversity training" as punishment. On April 27, 2015, the Fayette Circuit Court reversed the commission's decision. "The government can't force citizens to surrender free-speech rights or religious freedom in order to run a small business, and this decision affirms that," noted Alliance Defending Freedom Senior Legal Counsel Jim Campbell, who argued before the court in Hands On Originals v. Lexington-Fayette Urban County Human Rights Commission.

Breanna Koski and Joanna Duka

Summary: In 2015, Breanna Koski and Joanna Duka started their own art studio in Phoenix that specializes in hand-painted lettering and calligraphy for weddings and other events. The two met at a Bible study and discovered their shared love of beauty, which led the artistic duo to open Brush & Nib. Soon thereafter, Koski and Duka became aware of a city ordinance that not only requires them to create artwork for same-sex marriages if requested by a customer, but also bars them from verbally expressing their religious beliefs pertaining to marriage. The artists decided that they needed to take preemptive legal action to defend their religious liberty rights and to protect their freedom of artistic expression. In May 2016, Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) filed a pre-enforcement challenge on the women's behalf against the Phoenix ordinance. "It's unjust, unnecessary, and unlawful to force an artist to create against her will and intimidate her into silence," said Jeremy Tedesco, ADF senior counsel.

Brendan Eich

In April 2014, just days after his appointment, Brendan Eich stepped down as CEO of Mozilla, developer of the Firefox Web browser. The long-time Mozilla employee was chased out of his job for holding a view that-at the time-even President Barack Obama claimed to subscribe to.

Chaplain Joseph Lawhorn

On Thanksgiving Day 2014, Chaplain Joe Lawhorn was summoned to his commander's office where Col. David Fivecoat reprimanded him over a suicide prevention training Lawhorn had led in which he included faith as a resource for depression. Although religion was only part of a broader message on combatting suicide, the Chaplain was issued a Letter of Concern for acting in accordance with the Defense Department's own guidance, which says that "unless it could have an adverse impact on military readiness, unit cohesion, and good order and discipline, the Military Departments will accommodate individual expressions of sincerely held beliefs." Col. Fivecoat's actions, if not corrected by the rescission of the Letter of Concern, would most likely deprive men and women dealing with depression and the stress of military life, the help they need.

Chaplain Wes Modder

Lt. Commander Wes Modder, a 19-year veteran who had served with the Navy SEALs, was stripped of his duties for sharing the good news he was hired to share. Hired as chaplain at the Naval Nuclear Power Training Command, Modder was sabotaged by his own assistant, a man who identifies as homosexual who secretly gathered enough information on Modder's beliefs and private counseling sessions to file a formal complaint. In December, representatives with the Equal Opportunity office served Modder with papers accusing him of "discrimination," and the Naval Nuclear Power Training Command has dragged its feet in restoring Modder to his post. At time of publication, Family Research Council (FRC) had garnered and delivered over 101,215 signatures in support of Chaplain Wes Modder's reinstatement. FRC President Tony Perkins met with officials in the Navy's Chief of Chaplains office at the Pentagon and expressed frustration that the Navy wasn't upholding the Defense Department's own law on religious liberty. UPDATE: In early September 2015, Chaplain Modder was exonerated by the Navy and will continue to serve without a blemish on his record.

Chris and Nang Mai

Nang and Chris Mai, a Bay area husband-and-wife team of photographers, closed their photography business UrLoved after declining to shoot a wedding of two men who identify as homosexual. In the fall of 2014, the photographers received the request and responded with the following explanation: "Photographing a gay wedding is not the best match for us. However," they said, "we can refer you to a colleague who would make a great match..." The men were so outraged that they launched a Facebook movement to shame UrLoved into submission. After the smear campaign had gone on for a few weeks, Nang and Chris were blown away by the ferocity of the opposition. They took to their business webpage to make the announcement that since their morals wouldn't give, their business would have to.

Civil Servant Religious Liberty Cases - FTB Homepage Text

Courtney Schmackers

In February 2015, wedding videographer Courtney Schmackers declined to shoot a lesbian couple's wedding ceremony. Jenn Moffitt and her partner Jerra Kincely had approached Schmackers' Bexley, Ohio video production company Next Door Stories asking if they would cater to a same-sex couple. Schmackers sent an email response politely thanking the couple for the inquiry, suggesting they try another production company, and also indicating Next Door Stories, at that time, did not offer services for same-sex weddings. Moffitt and Kincely filed a complaint against the business with the Bexley Area Chamber of Commerce and rallied Ohio LGBT activists to harass the Chamber of Commerce and Next Door Stories. In response, Schmackers explained her decision. "I made a business decision based on my spiritual beliefs and the biblical definition of marriage because I thought that I had a right to do that."

Craig James

In September 2013, Fox Sports Southwest fired college football analyst Craig James after just one day on the job. The retired Pro-Bowler had made personal comments in support of biblical marriage and sexuality, not from the Fox Sports desk, but during a previous bid for the GOP nomination in the Texas Senate race. According to Sports Illustrated, sources explained that Fox Sports executives were not happy with the hire by the regional network, because James had not been "properly vetted." James submitted a formal complaint with the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) and, in March 2014, TWC issued a Charge of Discrimination against Fox Sports Southwest for terminating James' on-air position.

Crystal Dixon

In April 2008, Crystal Dixon, the associate vice president of human resources at the University of Toledo (UT), read a column which compared the struggles of homosexuals to the struggles of black or handicapped Americans. On April 18, 2008, the Toledo Free Press published Dixon's response, "Gay rights and wrongs: another perspective." Dixon wrote, "[a]s a Black woman... I take great umbrage at the notion that those choosing the homosexual lifestyle are 'civil rights victims.'" On May 12, 2008, Dixon received a letter from UT President Lloyd Jacobs stating that, effective immediately, her employment at the University was terminated because of the public position she had taken in the Toledo Free Press. On February 6, 2012, a federal judge in the U.S. District Court ruled that the University's firing of Dixon was justified and the University's diversity interests outweighed Dixon's First Amendment rights. Dixon and her lawyers appealed her case before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit and then requested that the U.S. Supreme Court review her case. On October 7, 2013, the Supreme Court denied review, effectively ending the case.

Crystal and Kevin O'Connor

On March 31, 2015, Memories Pizza's owners Crystal and Kevin O'Connor became the target of harsh criticism after they told WBND-TV (ABC57) that, they would likely decline to cater a same-sex wedding because such unions conflict with their Christian moral beliefs. Memories Pizza, in Walkerton, Indiana, had not actually been asked to cater any type of wedding, but a television reporter had posed the hypothetical question, in the wake of fierce statewide debate of Indiana's recently passed Religious Freedom Restoration Act. The O'Connors temporarily closed Memories Pizza after the furor erupted but a fundraising campaign launched to help the family recoup revenue they might lose while closed garnered over $842,000. The O'Connors reopened their doors on April 9, 2015, and indicated they would be sharing part of the proceeds with a variety charitable causes.

Cynthia and Robert Gifford

On Sept. 25, 2012, Melisa McCarthy called Cynthia Gifford, inquiring about the use of Liberty Ridge Farm for her upcoming wedding. Gifford soon realized that the requested wedding was for a lesbian couple seeking to solemnize their court-created same-sex marriage. After New York had legalized same-sex marriage, Gifford and her husband Robert had decided against renting Liberty Ridge Farm-their family farm in Schaghticoke, New York-for same-sex ceremonies. Although they'd be happy to open up Liberty Ridge Farm's barn to a reception, they couldn't in good conscience participate in the ceremony. Unbeknownst to Cynthia, McCarthy had taped the private phone conversation and subsequently filed a complaint against the Giffords with the New York Human Rights Commission. In August 2014, the Commission ruled that the Giffords were guilty of "sexual orientation discrimination," were fined $13,000 for refusing to violate their faith, and ordered to implement staff re-education training classes that taught the state's viewpoint on marriage. As of publication, the Giffords and their attorney have filed an appeal in Gifford v. New York State Division of Human Rights.

Daniel Murphy

In March 2015, New York Mets second baseman Daniel Murphy found out that his deeply held religious convictions where unwelcome. When the League appointed the former player Billy Bean who identifies as homosexual as its "ambassador of inclusion," Murphy was asked his opinion. In an interview with NJ.com, Murphy indicated that he disagreed with Bean's lifestyle but didn't believe that the disagreement should completely shut the door on investing in them in a relational aspect. Murphy's candor didn't sit well with team officials, who issued a gag order on their player's free speech. "Murphy to talk baseball only," ESPN's March 4, 2015 headline read. "New York Mets second baseman Daniel Murphy will no longer address his religious beliefs and will stick to baseball," a team spokesman said.

David Bojczuk and Amanda Pettepher

For more than nine months, police officers Amanda Pettepher and David Bojczuk spent every third Thursday night in jail-and it had nothing to do with work. The Cartersville natives were part of a group that prayed, read the Bible with, and ministered to inmates. That all stopped this spring, when another department complained because of a concern that they could legally be considered members of the clergy, and therefore have "clergy privilege" rules in regard to statements made to them by inmates. Despite having the Chief's permission, the pair were told to stop. What happens if we don't, David asked? You'll be written up every time until you're dismissed, he was told. The cops saved them the trouble and resigned. David, a dad of eight, has no regrets. "You have to take a stand... If I chose my job over my God, what would that say to [my kids]?" After this, the duo hope more people will fight back. "We truly feel like what they did was wrong," Amanda says. "And if America continues on that path, then where is it going to lead? They've taken God out of everything, and look at the United States today and the mess that it's in. That's got to change."

David and Jason Benham

Former major league baseball players and twin brothers David and Jason Benham were set to launch a home-flipping show on HGTV in October 2014. In May 2014, they found out that their program was being canceled before it even started. The HGTV network had jumped at the concept of two siblings helping families buy homes they never thought they could afford but pulled the show because the brothers had supported a North Carolina marriage amendment-a stance that found them at odds with radical pro-homosexual activists like GLAAD. Faced with HGTV's decision to pull their show, the Benham brothers released a statement indicating they "were saddened to hear HGTV's decision. With all of the grotesque things that can be seen and heard on television today you would think there would be room for two twin brothers who are faithful to our families, committed to biblical principles, and dedicated professionals. If our faith costs us a television show then so be it."

David and Lily Stockton

In September 2010, Just Cookies owners David and Lily Stockton declined a special bakery order for "National Coming Out Day" at Indiana University (IU). They politely explained to the caller Heather Brown that they didn't feel comfortable making rainbow-colored treats for a group that endorses homosexuality. As a father, David said he wanted to set the right example for his two daughters and stand by his moral beliefs. His wife Lily explained that anyone is welcome to come to the store and buy cookies from their shelves. "I don't ask people about their sexual orientation," Lily Stockton told the Indianapolis Star after Brown, started a campaign to get Just Cookies evicted from the City Market. Brown also triggered an investigation by Mayor Greg Ballard's Office of Equal Opportunity but the Stocktons maintained they were well within their legal bounds to decline an order that would make them a public part of celebration they disagreed with and have experienced overwhelming support from supportive customers and organizations poised to offer legal support.

David and Tonia Parker

In January 2005, David and Tonia Parker's 5-year-old son Jacob came home from his kindergarten class at Lexington's Joseph Estabrook School with books promoting non-traditional family arrangements-including a same-sex couple raising children. David Parker began a series of email exchanges with school officials, requesting that he be notified about these discussions and asking that his son be free to opt out of the school's conversations and teaching about gay marriage. However, when Parker attempted in person to gain assurances that his requests would be honored, he was arrested by Lexington police for trespassing. On May 17, 2006, the two-year anniversary of Massachusetts' legalization of court-created same-sex marriage, Jacob Parker (now 7 years old) was dragged and beaten during recess-in an attack that, according to his father, seemed well planned and coordinated. When asked if he were planning to pull Jacob out of school, David Parker replied, "We're trying to hang on to the notion that the schools are for every child and for everyone. I don't feel that we should have to leave for an injustice."

Donald Vander Boon

Donald Vander Boon has been operating a meatpacking center in Michigan for almost 15 years -- but thanks to the federal government, it's his freedom that's getting butchered. The Christian family, who proudly says on their website that the company "seeks to glorify and honor God in all we do," were shocked to find out during a visit by the USDA that it wasn't their beef that was being inspected -- but their beliefs. While officials were touring the plant, they noticed a handful of brochures on the breakroom table about natural marriage, which were mixed in with the stacks of newspapers celebrating the recent Supreme Court decision redefining marriage. Even so, the on-site officers took offense to the literature and told him they'd call off the inspection if the material wasn't removed. According to inspectors, Don's article was "offensive" and had violated a new rule from the Obama administration that gave government officials (including these inspectors) the right to take "immediate and appropriate corrective action" when dealing with anything they considered "harassment." Vander Boon's position on marriage, he was told, qualified. To keep his doors open, Don made the difficult decision to pull the information on natural marriage. Now, almost two years later, the family-owned company is still under threat. Despite filing a complaint with the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, Don never got a response.

Donald and Evelyn Knapp

In October 2014, Pastors Donald and Evelyn Knapp-a husband and wife team of ministers-were told by Coeur d'Alene, Idaho city government officials that refusing to marry a same-sex couple could send them straight to jail and/or bury them in debilitating fines. The Knapps reached out to Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), concerned that their chapel would be targeted. Less than a week later, when an activist judge overturned Idaho's state amendment protecting natural marriage, the battle was at their front door. On October 17, the Knapps declined to perform a wedding for a same-sex couple and their attorneys filed a federal lawsuit and a motion for temporary restraining order. Because of their decision, the Knapps face the possibility of up to 180 days in jail and up to $1,000 in fines for every day the ministers refuse to perform the ceremony.

Edie and David Delorme

When a same-sex couple came to Edie and David Delorme's Longview, Texas bakery in February to request a cake for their wedding, Edie, a believing Christian, handled the situation as frankly and honestly as she could. She explained that her bakery does not make same-sex wedding cakes, but then offered the couple a list of other bakers who would most likely be able to fulfil their request, which the two men received amiably. Following the civil exchange, the same-sex couple contacted a local newspaper, saying that Edie's response made them feel "dehumanized." Once news of the incident spread, activists opposed to the Delormes' views on marriage began to attack the couple and their business on social media platforms like Yelp, among others. They also began receiving menacing phone calls, with one person even threatening to burn the family's house down and physically harm their 17-year-old son. With the threats continuing to mount on a daily basis, the couple's 8-year-old daughter has been staying with relatives. Despite all this, the Delormes are determined to continue on with their business knowing that their decision to decline the cake request is not something they take lightly-it speaks of something that goes to their core. "[Our family tries] to live Scripture every day," David says. "Our faith is who we are."

Elaine and Jonathan Huguenin

In 2008, a New Mexico couple identifying themselves as lesbian tried to hire Elaine and Jonathan Huguenin, co-owners of the Albuquerque business Elane Photography, to shoot their wedding. The Huguenins, declined to do so because the ceremony violated their moral beliefs. The women found another photographer, but alleged discrimination and filed a complaint with the New Mexico Human Rights Division. On April 9, 2008, the commission charged Elane Photography with "sexual orientation discrimination" and ordered the couple to pay $6,637.94. In 2009, a trial judge sided with the Human Rights Commission's finding and on June 4, 2012, the New Mexico Court of Appeals upheld the Commission's decision on the grounds of the state's Human Rights Act. The New Mexico Supreme Court also upheld the ruling and one of the justices wrote that the Huguenins "now are compelled by law to compromise the very religious beliefs that inspire their lives," adding "it is the price of citizenship." On April 7, 2014, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear Elane Photography v. Willock, leaving the New Mexico government's punishment intact and the problem of compelled speech unresolved.

Eric Moutsos

In the summer of 2014, Salt Lake City Police Officer Eric Moutsos asked for a different post at the city's gay pride event. He had been directed, along with other members of the team, to lead the motorcycle brigade at the front of the parade. Moutsos indicated that he "felt uncomfortable doing what he considered celebratory circles with other motorcycles leading the parade because of his religious views" and asked to be placed somewhere else at the event. Not once did he refuse to work the parade-yet in the middle of working out a compromise with his boss, Moutsos was suspended. In an interview with Deseret News, Moutsos said his story should be a warning to every American who thinks court-created same-sex marriage and homosexuality won't affect them. "We can 100 percent disagree and still 100 percent love. I hate that we're labeled in this way that is so divisive." Although Moutsos found a job with another police agency, he remains committed to protecting religious liberty and willing to testify before lawmakers.

Eric Walsh

By all accounts, Dr. Eric Walsh is "a renowned public health expert" and was the perfect candidate for a district health director position with the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH). "He is the excellent health director we believed he would be," one staffer who was involved in Walsh's hiring noted. After Walsh was hired on May 7, 2014, the DPH began investigating his sermons as a Seventh Day Adventist lay minister, which included topics such as marriage, sexuality, world religions, and more. On May 16, Walsh was terminated. A lawsuit filed by his attorneys charges the DPH with "religious discrimination and retaliation." "I don't believe I did anything wrong," he says. "This has been very painful for me. I really am a strong believer in the Constitution. But now I feel like maybe all these ideals and values that I was raised to believe-the ideals the country was founded upon-no longer exist."

Gilbert Breedlove

On October 20, 2014, Magistrate Judge Gilbert Breedlove resigned from his position so he would not be forced to perform court-created same-sex marriages. Breedlove, 57, had served as a Swain County, North Carolina magistrate for nearly 24 years and was also an ordained minister. The courts struck down North Carolina's democratically supported referendum defining marriage as the union between one man and one woman on October 10, 2014. In the wake of this court decision, Breedlove said "We were directed we had to perform the marriages, and that was just something I couldn't do because of my religious beliefs." On April 6, 2015, Breedlove and a Graham County magistrate named Thomas Holland filed a lawsuit. The suit stated that both men resigned under duress and that forced participation in same-sex marriages was in direct violation of their religious beliefs, and therefore unconstitutional.

Grace Evans

On March 12, 2013, Grace Evans an 11-year-old child, testified before the Minnesota House Committee on Civil Law in support of natural marriage. "If you change the law so two moms or two dads can get married, it would take away something very important for children like me across the state," she told the committee. Kids learn different things from parents of both genders, Grace told them, and "God made it that way." According to her father Jeff Evans, the family "had some rather colorful comments about [their] 11-year-old." He continued, "It's really shameful the things that people will say, hiding behind an Internet alias." Years after Evan's testimony, comments continued to pour in on the YouTube video recording of her testimony-many of them derogatory, some indicating that she is "brainwashed" and "needs to die."

Grady Judd

Last April, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd delivered a sermon at the First Baptist Church at the Mall in Lakeland, wearing his sheriff's uniform. The sermon, which attracted the attention of the Wisconsin-based atheist group Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), was entitled "Wouldn't the World be a Better Place if Everyone Behaved Like a Christian." It focused on developing faith-based dorms at the Polk County Jail, and also included stories of criminals who changed their lives after finding Jesus.

Jack Phillips

In August 2012, Masterpiece Cakes owner, Jack Phillips turned down a same-sex wedding. The homosexual couple recruited the state attorney general to treat Phillips like a common criminal and initiated a formal complaint ordering Phillips to "cease and desist." In December 2013, Colorado Judge Robert Spencer ruled that Phillips must surrender his beliefs as the price of doing business in a politically correct market. After a two-year tug-of-war with the state's Civil Rights Commission, Phillips was ordered on May 30, 2014 to bake cakes for same-sex couples regardless of his Christian beliefs. With help from Alliance Defending Freedom, the Phillips and his family decided to fight Colorado's order that he check his religious beliefs at the door of his business and participate in the court-created same-sex marriages Christianity rejects.

Jay Love

Tech giant Apple Inc. ended its relationship with lobbyist Jay Love after reporters revealed Love's previous support for natural marriage. In a February 13, 2015 article, Inside Alabama Politics (IAP) reported that the former state representative had run a campaign commercial indicating his support for California's democratically supported referendum supporting one-man, one-woman marriage. In addition, as a State Rep., Love had introduced a resolution supporting Miss America contestant Carrie Prejean's right to stand up for her beliefs and articulate her support for one-man, one-woman marriage. The local newspaper editorialized on Love's stance and questioned Apple's decision to hire him, in light of Apple CEO Tim Cook's recent announcement that he was gay. "While it isn't unusual rhetoric from Republicans and even many Democrats running for office, especially in conservative states like Alabama, it does seem slightly unusual he was hired as a lobbyist by Apple, unless of course, Apple didn't know of his past stance on the subject of same-sex marriage," IAP wrote. Love's contract with Apple was terminated shortly thereafter.

Jennifer Keeton

In 2010, Jennifer Keeton, a graduate student in Augusta State University's counseling program, was told her Christian beliefs were incompatible with the pursuit of a counseling degree. When Keeton expressed her belief that homosexual conduct is morally wrong, Augusta State ordered her to participate in a remediation plan, which required attendance at diversity workshops and mandated exposure to and reflections upon gay populations. Keeton initially agreed to the remediation plan; then, she had second thoughts. In video provided by Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF, then Alliance Defense Fund), Keeton said, "[w]hile I want to stay in the school counseling program, I know that I can't honestly complete the remediation program knowing that I would have to alter my beliefs." With the help of ADF lawyers, Keeton filed suit in Keeton v. Anderson-Wiley. In December 2011, a federal appeals court upheld the right of Augusta State University to enforce standards of its counseling graduate program--even if those standards force a Christian student to choose between her faith and a degree.

Jerry Buell

In July 2011, Mount Dora High School American history teacher Jerry Buell was suspended from the classroom and reassigned to an administrative role after controversial comments he made about same-sex unions on Facebook. The central Florida 2010-11 Teacher of the Year had posted the comment on his personal Facebook page, in response to New York State's decision to allow court-created same-sex marriage on July 25, 2011. In an interview with Fox News Radio, Buell said "It was my own personal comment on my own personal time on my own personal computer in my own personal house, exercising what I believed as a social studies teacher to be my First Amendment rights." Mount Dora High School eventually agreed and on August 25, 2011, reinstated him as a teacher.

Jim and Beth Walder

In 2011, Jim Walder, the Christian owner of TimberCreek Bed & Breakfast declined a request to host a civil union ceremony at his venue. In response, Todd and Mark Wathen, the couple identifying as homosexual who made the request, filed a civil rights complaint with the Illinois Human Rights Commission alleging that the Paxton, Illinois business had discriminated against them. Walder indicated that the complaint caused them to lose a few weddings, but "that's OK," he explained. "Overall, our business is up substantially since the [couple] filed their complaint. We hosted 26 weddings last year." At time of publication, complaints had been filed with the Illinois Attorney General's office and the Department of Human Rights alleging violations of the Illinois Human Rights Act, but no further action had been taken.

Joe Kennedy

Since 2008, Bremerton High School assistant football coach Joe Kennedy has had a simple tradition. At the end of each game, he walks to the 50-yard line, takes a knee, and says a brief prayer of thanksgiving. "I am just thanking God for putting these incredible young men in my life, and for blessing me with this opportunity," he says. Despite threats to cease and desist from the school district based on supposed "separation of church and state" violations, Coach Kennedy has continued his post-game prayer, and has no plans to stop. Since the dispute became public, he has received overwhelming support from people of all political persuasions-even "Good Morning America" featured a segment supporting the coach. "I tell my kids to be bold in their beliefs," Kennedy says. "I want to set an example to stand up for what you believe in, even if it isn't popular." He is currently being legally represented by Liberty Institute, who will defend his right to religious accommodation under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.

John Kallam, Jr.

On October 16, 2014, Rockingham County Judge John Kallam, Jr. submitted his resignation, indicating he would not marry same-sex couples because it violated his religious beliefs. In his resignation letter, he noted, "When I took my oath of office, I understood I would be required to perform weddings and have done so throughout my tenure. I did not however take that oath with any understanding that I would be required to marry same-sex couples. It is my personal belief and a position of my Christian faith that doing so would desecrate a holy Institution established by God Himself." Chief District Judge Fred Wilkins, who received Kallam's resignation, noted "He's a good honorable man and a good man who stuck by his convictions."

Julea Ward

Eastern Michigan University (EMU) initiated disciplinary action against counseling student Julea Ward shortly after she requested a counseling referral to avoid violating her religious beliefs. Enrolled in a counseling practicum course in January 2009, Ward was assigned a potential client seeking assistance regarding a sexual relationship that was contrary to her religious convictions. She recognized the potential conflicts of conscience and interest with the client and asked her supervisor how she should handle the matter. Although counseling referrals are a common and accepted professional practice, EMU then informed Ward that she could stay in the counseling program only if she underwent a remediation program that would help her "see the error of her ways" and eventually expelled her from the program. Ward and her attorneys sued the school. Initially, a federal court sided with the school against Ward. But on January 27, 2012, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit ruled in her favor and wrote that, "Tolerance is a two-way street. Otherwise, the rule mandates orthodoxy, not anti-discrimination." EMU agreed to settle and as part of the agreed-upon order of dismissal, agreed to pay Ward a sum of money to settle her claims, and to remove the expulsion from her record.

Kelvin Cochran

On January 6, 2015, Atlanta Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran, a long-time member of the city's Fire Rescue Department, was fired due to his religious beliefs. Despite a distinguished career, including an appointment by the Obama administration as the U.S. Fire Administrator, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed targeted and fired Chief Cochran for distributing his self-published book on biblical morality, Who Told You That You Were Naked?. Despite the fact that Cochran had obtained his superiors' approval to publish the book, and despite the fact that he only gave the book to friends, he was suspended in late 2014, until the Mayor fired him in January. "I am heartbroken that I will no longer be able to serve the city and the people I love as fire chief, for no reason other than my Christian faith," Chief Cochran told reporters. "It's ironic that the city points to tolerance and inclusion as part of its reasoning. What could be more intolerant and exclusionary than ending a public servant's 30 years of distinguished service for his religious beliefs?"

Kim Davis

Following the Supreme Court's June 2015 ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges declaring that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry, Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis decided that as a believing Christian, she had to take a stand for the freedom to do what her conscience demanded. When same-sex couples came to the courthouse to obtain marriage licenses, they were told that licenses were not being issued. In September, Federal district judge David L. Bunning held Davis in contempt and ordered that she be taken into custody, where she would be held until she complied with the court's order to issue marriage licenses. Five days later, she was finally released. Marriage licenses are now being issued from her office without her name appearing on them. "I don't want to have this conflict. I don't want to be in the spotlight. And I certainly don't want to be a whipping post," she said. "I am no hero. I'm just a person that's been transformed by the grace of God, who wants to work, be with my family. I just want to serve my neighbors quietly without violating my conscience."

Lana Rusev

In January 2015, Melissa McCord and her lesbian partner approached Jacksonville, Florida's wedding planning service, Simply Elegant Event to coordinate their same-sex marriage. Simply Elegant's owner, Lana Rusev followed up in a polite letter to McCord and her partner, indicating that "[D]ue to my strong personal belief, I do not feel comfortable planning a wedding for lesbian couples. I hope you understand and do not take this personally. I am really sorry for the inconvenience this may cause." Rusev, an immigrant from the Ukraine, indicated that her Christian faith conflicted with her ability to be intimately involved in every stage of planning for a same-sex ceremony. Within hours, Rusev was inundated with threats and negative business reviews. In a Facebook post, Rusev wrote the following: "26 years ago my family and I fled a country that persecuted Christians for their belief. It's really sad to see America becoming more and more like these [sic] countries that so many of us once fled." At time of publication, McCord and her partner had not threatened legal action.

Pam Regentin

In May 2013, specialty cake designer and owner of Fleur Cakes Pam Regentin decided against providing a wedding cake to a couple identifying as lesbian - Katie Pugh and Erin Hansen - who had requested her services. Regentin indicated that she did not endorse same-sex marriage, and that it was not legal in Oregon, where the event was planned. Within days, a media firestorm erupted and Regentin, who operated the business out of her own home, became the target for a social media boycott and also received vitriolic voice mails and emails - some of which called for the destruction of her business and her own death. News reports as of May 17, 2013 indicated that neither Pugh nor Hansen planned to pursue a lawsuit. "We hope that this can turn into a respectful conversation between people of differing viewpoints," Hansen said. Regentin indicated that she had referred the couple to the talents of another baker and that Pugh "stated that though we do not agree, she respects me and my opinions, as I do her and hers."

Patricia Jannuzzi

On March 13, 2015, Patricia Jannuzzi, a religion teacher at Somerville, New Jersey's Immaculata High School, was suspended after writing a Facebook post expressing her personal views about homosexuality and marriage. She indicated that gay activists "want to reengineer western civ into a slow extinction," and that "We need healthy families with a mother and a father for the sake of the children and humanity!" Former Immaculata students, including the self-identified gay nephew of actress Susan Sarandon and a cast member of "Real Housewives of New Jersey," took to social media indicating their disapproval of Jannuzzi's opinion. In a publically released letter, Principal Jean Kline placed Jannuzzi on administrative leave, required her to deactivate her Facebook page, and indicated that Jannuzzi's posts were "completely inconsistent with our policy and position as a Catholic Christian community." On April 10, school officials noted that Jannuzzi's suspension was a "personnel and not a theological issue" and that the school and the teacher remained "united in [their] understanding and commitment to the teachings of the Catholic Church."

Peter Vidmar

On May 6, 2011, Peter Vidmar, a gymnast who won two gold medals in the 1984 Olympics, resigned from his position as chef de mission for the upcoming 2012 London Games. Though recognized by the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) as "a natural leader and an extraordinary individual," Vidmar resigned after eight days, under intense pressure over his support of one-man, one-woman marriage. Vidmar, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, had participated in demonstrations and donated $2,000 towards the successful 2008 California Proposition 8 ballot initiative defining marriage as between a man and a woman. In his resignation, Vidmar noted, "I wish that my personal religious beliefs would not have become a distraction from the amazing things that are happening in the Olympic movement in the United States. I simply cannot have my presence become a detriment to the U.S. Olympic family."

Phil Robertson

Phil Robertson, the popular patriarch of A&E's reality show "Duck Dynasty," was placed on hiatus from filming after a December 2013 interview with GQ Magazine. In the interview that kicked off the controversy, Robertson was blunt about his support for natural marriage and used the book of Corinthians to explain it. Facebook pages and petitions in support of Robertson began to shatter records on almost every social media platform. Companies like Cracker Barrel that tried to pull Dynasty merchandise off their shelves regretted it almost immediately, as the public flooded them with angry calls, emails, and social media posts. In a matter of hours, the chain reversed the decision. Days later, A&E followed suit - taking Phil off probation and putting him back in the show.

Randy and Trish McGath

In March 2014, Randy and Trish McGath, the owners of Indianapolis, Indiana's 111 Cakery got a call from Mike Stephens and Shane Laney. The newly engaged couple identifying as homosexual wanted to hire 111 Cakery to make the cake for their April 2014 commitment ceremony. Politely, the McGaths explained they couldn't accept the job. "As artists," Randy told the local Fox affiliate, "we have to find inspiration to create something special for our clients," he explained. "When asked to do a cake for an occasion or with a theme that's in opposition with our faith, it's just hard for us. We struggle with that." Although Stephens and Laney complained about the decision on social media, they found someone else to make their cake. However, in February 2015, the McGaths closed their doors. Although they had left the cake business, McGrath noted, "[w]e were just trying to be right with our God. I was able to speak to many homosexuals in the community and to speak our opinion and have a civil conversation. I'm still in touch with some."

Robert Oscar Lopez

Last year, California State University at Northridge English Professor Robert Oscar Lopez was put under investigation by the school administration. His crime? Inviting students to an optional conference on family matters. The dispute started after a student complained, alleging that she was "coerced" to attend the event and "traumatized" by a discussion of LGBT issues. In reality, Lopez's syllabus clearly stated that attending the conference was optional. In addition, "LGBT issues" were not formally part of the conference, and were only discussed after a student brought up the subject of gay families during the question and answer period. In a controversy that's dragged on for more than a year, school officials recently changed the charges from "discrimination" to "creating a hostile learning environment." Despite the fact that the young woman received an "A" in Lopez's class, and despite the fact that the professor has provided plenty of documents disputing her claims, the issue still isn't settled. "I will defend myself," he says. "Academic freedom... [is] the big issue now."

Ruth Neely

All it took for Municipal Judge Ruth Neely to be threatened with termination was to tell a reporter about her religious beliefs that would preclude her from performing same-sex marriages. Not only that, but the Wyoming state Commission on Judicial Conduct and Ethics is also seeking to enact a fine of up to $40,000 against Neely. In February, the Commission demanded that Neely make a public apology for her position, and that she agree to preside over same-sex weddings. She responded through her legal counsel that "to do so would violate her religious beliefs." Since then, a wide array of supporters from all over Wyoming are stepping forward in Neely's defense. Among her defenders is the Becket Fund's Daniel Blomberg, who said: "In America, the government doesn't get to punish people for their religious beliefs-especially not for beliefs that the U.S. Supreme Court itself, in the very opinion that recognized same-sex marriage, said were 'decent and honorable' and held 'in good faith by reasonable and sincere people.'"

Sarah Crank

On January 31, 2012 Sarah Crank, a 14-year-old home schooled student, testified before the Maryland Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee in support of traditional marriage. Despite the calm and respectful testimony by the young student, Crank received thousands of vulgar, violent, and abusive comments via YouTube and a variety of other Internet platforms, including cries for her rape and death.

Scott and Nancy Hoffman

In February 2007, the New Jersey legislature legalized civil unions for same-sex couples. Soon after, same-sex couples began asking to use Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association's beachfront pavilion for their ceremonies. When the Association's leaders Scott and Nancy Hoffman declined, some couples filed discrimination complaints with the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights, asserting that Ocean Grove's pavilion - though a place of worship - must be a place of public accommodation subject to the state's nondiscrimination law. The Ocean Grove Association, with the help of Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF, then Alliance Defense Fund), filed a federal lawsuit against the state of New Jersey for violating its First Amendment rights. A federal court dismissed the lawsuit and cleared the way for a five-year legal battle before the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights. On January 12, 2012, an administrative judge ruled and recommended that the New Jersey Civil Rights Division find the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association in violation of a state nondiscrimination law. On October 23, 2012, the director of the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights released a decision that a Christian ministry engaged in "wrongdoing" for abiding by its faith.

Senior Master Sergeant Phillip Monk

After 19 years of spotless service, Senior Master Sergeant Phillip Monk was relieved of his duties for not validating his commander's position regarding homosexuality. In the summer of 2013, Monk was brought into an internal dispute over a training class at Lackland Air Force Base. Monk's superior, Major Elisa Valenzuela (who identifies as homosexual) was angered that a trainer had suggested same-sex marriage was a divisive issue, solicited Monk's advice, and then moved to fire him for failure to agree with her. When Monk shared his story with members of the press, Air Force representatives read Monk his Miranda rights and informed him that he was now the subject of a criminal investigation. After nearly a year, the Pentagon that had threatened to court martial Monk awarded him the Meritorious Service Medal and allowed him to retire in peace.

Victoria Childress

In the fall of 2011, when two women identifying as lesbians asked Victoria Childress to make their wedding cake, she politely refused. The owner of Victoria's Cake Cottage in Des Moines, Iowa said she had made several cakes for Trina Vodraska and Janelle Sievers to taste, unaware that they were a couple. When the customers clarified that they wanted the cake for a same-sex wedding, Childress indicated that she could not, in good conscience, make the cake. "I was straight-forward with them and explained that I'm a Christian, and that I have very strong [beliefs]." When Vodraska and Sievers went to the press with their story, gay activists launched a boycott and hateful emails. But Childress maintained that her goal was "not to discriminate against them." She continued, "I was not rude. I was not condescending. It was matter-of-fact. I told them, 'I'm sorry, I just can't do that.'"

Victoria and Tom Miller

When a couple identifying as lesbian contacted W.W. Bridal Boutique for an appointment in the summer of 2014, owner Victoria Miller explained that she couldn't help the women find gowns for a ceremony that violated her Christian faith. In response, the women turned to social media to bully the shop - trashing its online reviews and sparking a city-wide firestorm. Miller, who owned the store with her husband Tom and whose orthodox beliefs were in the bulls-eye, indicated that she wasn't backing down. "We feel we have to answer to God for what we do," she told reporters, "and providing those two girls dresses for a sanctified marriage would break God's law." Victoria and Tom Miller have received a number of death threats and hired an attorney, Al Luschas, to help protect their liberty interest in declining to be involved in a wedding that violates their firmly and honestly-held religious beliefs.