Earlier this month a German restaurant in Richmond, Virginia, Metzger Bar and Butchery canceled a reservation made by the faith-based organization The Family Foundation. When the members of learned they had been denied service they said, “We’ve been canceled! Again.”
In a Facebook post the restaurant’s owners said they refused to serve the group, “After the owners of Metzger found out it was a group of donors to a political organization that seeks to deprive women and LGBTQ+ persons of their basic human rights in Virginia.” The owners further said, “We have always refused service to anyone for making our staff uncomfortable or unsafe and this was the driving force behind our decision.”
Clearly, the owners of the restaurant and the faith-based group have different views regarding abortion and sexual morality, that is a common disagreement in our culture today. If this had occurred in Colorado instead of Virginia, The Family Foundation could file suit under Colorado’s anti-discriminatory statues.
But this happened in Virginia, not Colorado.
I think the owners of any business in America should have the right to discriminate on who they do business with or serve based on their beliefs. If a web designer in Colorado has the right to discriminate on the type of website one designs, then a restaurant should have the right to discriminate on who they serve, that is what liberty is about.
What the restaurant owners in this case cannot not do is say they do not discriminate or, they are inclusive or tolerant with those who disagree with them. It would be hypocritical to do so and an unwise business decision for two reasons; heterosexuals outnumber homosexuals, and heterosexuals can reproduce.
This is what The Family Foundation had to say on their own blog, “Welcome to the 21st century, where people who likely consider themselves ‘progressives’ attempt to recreate an environment from the 1950s and early 60s, when people were denied food service due to their race.” The post continued, “At The Family Foundation, we believe individuals in private business should not have to violate their convictions … However, most, if not all, faiths not only allow for the provision of services, like food, to those with whom they disagree, but they also encourage it.”
Members of The Family Foundation obviously think they have been treated unfairly and “canceled, again.” I understand how they feel, defending biblical truth in this cultural climate costs and according to Paul, in his letter to Timothy, it is to be expected. “Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,” 2 Timothy 3:12.
Certainly, being discriminated against and “canceled” are forms of persecution, but it cannot be compared to what our brothers and sisters are experiencing in other countries around the world where they are tortured and martyred for their faith.
Our attitude should be in keeping with Peter’s instructions, “Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name,” 2 Peter 4:15-16.
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