While a business owner in Montana I had a similar experience when a local “artist” came into my Office Supply and Print Shop and wanted me to make posters of some of her art.
She brought it in for me to look at and when she unfolded it it was some of the most vile, graphich lesbian sexual perversion I could imagine.
I quickly folded it back over and told her I would not print it.
She became incensed and said if I was open to the public that I “had to print it,” or she would file suit against me.
I walked her to the front of my shop and showed her a small sign that I had hung over the front counter and over the door into the back which said, “I reserve the right to refuse service to anyone, at anytime.”
I told her that was “my” right and she could sue until she was blue in the face but I still would not print it...I then told her that if she happened to win, which I believe she didn;t have a snow balls chance of doing in that town or county...that I would then shut down my business before I would print it and she would get no satisfaction from me...to the point of being fined and going to jail.
She took her business elsewhere and I never saw her in my shop again.
Having that sign is what spared you the agony of a frivolous lawsuit. Kudos and thanks for the post and ping.
Yes. You have to stand up, forcefully, to these bullies every time and not show one sign of fear. I’m afraid that too many people do these days.