NEW YORK -- A Christian pizza shop owner in Indiana, who was forced to close her business after revealing she would not cater for a gay wedding, reaffirmed her beliefs on Saturday, praising the $850,000 in donations she’s has received from likeminded citizens as "God’s blessing."
Over the past week, Crystal O’Connor, owner of Memories Pizza in Walkerton, has become an emblem of the fracture in the Hoosier state following passage of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which, critics argue, allows businesses to openly discriminate against gay people.
Earlier this week, O’Connor told a local news reporter: "If a gay couple came in and wanted us to provide pizzas for their wedding, we would have to say no…. We are a Christian establishment."
The restaurant shut down days later following a backlash from citizens, LGBT groups and the media. A "Support Memories Pizza" GoFundMe campaign was created soon after to keep the restaurant open.
On Saturday O’Connor told Rupert Murdoch’s Fox News that she stood by her statement, and praised God for the outpouring of support that has seen nearly $1 million raised to help keep the shop open. "God has blessed us for standing up for what we believe, and not denying him," she told the broadcaster.
Indiana Governor Mike Pence signed the Religious Freedom Restoration Act on March 26th, the law restricting the state from "substantially burden[ing]" the free exercise of religion. A week of protests followed in which business outside the state threatened to cut ties with Indiana.
In 2013, Hazelmary and Peter Bull, the Christian owners of a guesthouse in Cornwall, lost an appeal in the UK Supreme Court after refusing to let civil partners Steven Preddy and Martyn Hall stay in a double room at Chymorvah House in Marazion in 2008.
Anti-Gay Celebrity Statements
Kirk Cameron(01 of15)
Open Image ModalMel Gibson(02 of15)
Open Image ModalVictoria Jackson(03 of15)
Open Image ModalCee Lo Green (04 of15)
Open Image ModalIsaiah Washington(05 of15)
Open Image ModalIt was no laughing matter when "Grey's Anatomy" actor Washington referred to co-star Knight as a "faggot" during an on-set argument with Patrick Dempsey. Though Washington later denied using the word backstage at the 2007 Golden Globes, Knight said he was inspired to come out publicly after hearing his co-star use the word. "I've never been called that to my face," he told Ellen Degeneres. "So I think when that happened, something shifted, and it became bigger than myself." Washington was fired from the show shortly thereafter, but said he believed racism had been a factor in his dismissal, and claimed that Knight had manipulated the controversy. (credit:AP)
Donald Trump (06 of15)
Open Image ModalRoland Martin (07 of15)
Open Image ModalChris Brown (08 of15)
Open Image ModalBlake Shelton(09 of15)
Open Image ModalAdam Carolla (10 of15)
Open Image ModalSoulja Boy (11 of15)
Open Image ModalTracy Morgan (12 of15)
Open Image ModalRonnie Magro ("Jersey Shore") (13 of15)
Open Image Modal50 Cent (14 of15)
Open Image ModalDonna Summer(15 of15)
Open Image ModalWith her danceable music and glamorous style, Donna Summer became an instant icon for the gay community during her 1970s heyday. So when she allegedly made a number of religion-inspired remarks about the gay community as well as HIV/AIDS during a 1983 performance, the "Queen of Disco" faced an immediate backlash."It was Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve," Summer was quoted as having said during the Atlantic City concert by the Village Voice. She is said to have also noted, "I've seen the evil homosexuality come out of you people... AIDS is the result of your sins. Now don't get me wrong; God loves you. But not the way you are now."She denied making the remarks for years afterward, calling the accusations "unjust and unfair." Summer noted in a letter addressed to members of ACT UP, "I did not say God is punishing gays with AIDS, I did not sit with ill intentions in judgement over your lives. I haven't stopped talking to my friends who are gay, nor have I ever chosen my friends by their sexual preferences." (credit:AP )