Gay couple demands new law forcing Christian service to prepare their taxes
Where does it end?
An Indiana same-sex couple is demanding lawmakers pass new legislation after they were turned away by a Christian tax preparer.
What happened?
Bailey Brazzel has filed her taxes with Nancy Fivecoate, owner of Carter Tax Service, for the past four years. But to her dismay, Brazzel says was turned away this year after she told Fivecoate she would be filing jointly with her new wife, whom she married last summer, according to WRTV-TV.
“We were really upset and shocked. At first I thought she was joking around,” Bailey told WRTV. “I was completely shocked, I never expected that to happen.”
“We shouldn’t be able to be turned away or kicked out of places just because of who we’re married too,” Samantha Brazzel said, according to ABC News.
Eventually, Bailey and her wife went elsewhere to file their taxes.
Still, they remain upset over what happened, explaining to WRTV they believe they are victims of discrimination. They told the news station it is now their goal to ensure new laws are passed preventing discrimination against same-sex marriage couples in the future.
What did Fivecoate say?
In a statement to WRTV, Fivecoate explained her Christian beliefs prevented her from seemingly endorsing the same-sex marriage by preparing the taxes jointly — but that does not mean she in, any way, disrespected the Brazzels.
“The LGBT want respect for their beliefs, which I give them,” Fivecoate said. “I did not say anything about their lifestyle. That is their choice. It is not my choice. Where is their respect for my beliefs?”
“I am a Christian and I believe marriage is between one man and one woman. I was very respectful to them. I told them where I thought she might be able to get her taxes prepared,” Fivecoate explained. “I am not trying to destroy them by dragging them through social media. Why are they trying to destroy my business? I have made no comment on social media. Where is their respect for me and my beliefs?”
Source: https://www.theblaze.com/news/christian-taxes-gay-couple-indiana