Posted on 04/16/2015 9:45:08 AM PDT by SeekAndFind
GRANDVILLE, Mich. (WOOD) — The owner of a Grandville auto repair shop says he won’t hesitate “to refuse service to an openly gay person or persons.”
Brian Klawiter, the owner of Dieseltec on Ottawa Avenue in Grandville, posted the statement to his company’s Facebook page on Tuesday because he says the voices of those who have Christian, conservative values are often overshadowed by those who do not.
“I want to have a voice about this,” Klawiter told 24 Hour News 8 Wednesday. “I want to be heard about this… It’s challenging to decide to say I’m on the opposing side of what’s seen as the popular view.”
The post in question starts with “Enough is enough.”
“Apparently if you are white (or close to it), you have a job, go to church, and own a gun…That translates into racist, privileged, bigot… Our rights as conservative Americans are being squashed more and more everyday…” the post reads in part.
The line that’s drawing the most conversation is the one that addresses “openly gay” individuals.
“I would not hesitate to refuse service to an openly gay person or persons. Homosexuality is wrong, period,” Klawiter wrote. “If you want to argue this fact with me then I will put your vehicle together with all bolts and no nuts and you can see how that works.”
The post had gotten a couple dozen comments and about two dozen shares as of Wednesday evening. Many commenters criticized his views, but some were supportive.
While Klawiter acknowledges that the post could be viewed as offensive, he says he doesn’t regret writing it.
“I think I exercised a little more freedom than I would on a news broadcast,” Klawiter said of his post, adding that he didn’t expect the post to get the attention it has. “If you have a vehicle that needs to be repaired, we’d be happy to do that for you. But if you want to come in here with your boyfriend and you want to openly display that, that’s just not going to be tolerated here. We don’t believe that here.”
Klawiter says he isn’t asking clientele about their sexuality, but is emphatic that he won’t tolerate “outward” affectionate behavior between same-sex couples.
Asked to consider his post from the eyes of a person who is gay, Klawiter responded:
“I think it would be made pretty clear to me that I’m not welcome there, which I would almost consider that enlightening. I would know exactly where not to go.”
Discrimination based on sexual orientation has not been outlawed in Michigan, though several municipalities have local ordinances on the matter. Grand Rapids and East Grand Rapids are among the West Michigan cities that have ordinances that prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation.
Grandville, however, has no such ordinance.
Grandville Mayor Steve Maas said he’s open to discussing one, but that the citizens would have to ask for it.
“There are many people who have deeply held, sincerely held, very conservative religious and political beliefs. But on the other hand, that same group of people is a very kind group of people that does not tolerate bigotry and intolerance, so it would be very interesting to see that debate,” Maas said.
Klawiter is among those who doesn’t think the city should have a non-discrimination ordinance that includes sexual orientation.
“I’ve chosen to put God first in my life and that he owns everything in me and my business and beyond,” Klawiter said. “Since that becomes a priority, I can’t sacrifice on those morals.”
It's getting to the point that people like you and me will be minorities even in "conservative" circles because they don't want confrontation with these homogistopos. Who knows, we may soon be even ZOTTED for having this conversation; there seems to be a majority agreeing with them here .
When in American history has it ever been acceptable to exclude Jews? Every state has laws that exclude unacceptable behavior.
...Although I am beginning to read more posts that are standing up to the spineless in this thread; so there is still hope!
Agree with you. His business is his business. If his choices offend someone, shop elsewhere. If enough people choose to shop elsewhere he’ll no longer be in business. Consequences for every choice.
If you were (perhaps you are) a business owner, and a person who you knew to be divorced and remarried were to walk into your place of business with their current spouse, would you provide them service? One could consider their conduct to be flaunting of an adulterous lifestyle which the Bible states clearly is a sin.
Don’t forget people who eat meat on Fridays.....lol
You do know that homofacism isn’t supported here...right?
You seem to miss the point, who frigging cares if someone comes into his store, his shop etc and is cheating.
Did he mention that? No you did. Why? Because you think he is wrong I presume, am I right?
You seem to miss the point too. This is about a man taking a stand against the homostapo. You however would rather attack him and raise questions about him.
People who won’t stand up for the conservative principles are nothing but cowards and are there to help the left, so either stand up and speak out like this man or just shut up and help the left.
EXACTLY
Raising a stupid question like would he refuse to serve a man cheating on his wife because it is sinful is what the left does. They like to throw Christianity into the face of Christians.
Did a quick review....big time concern trolling on the homo issues.
Thanks I will take a look
Going by your past posts you seem very friendly towards the homostapo.
Do you think the IN law was bigoted and do you think they should be married legally?
I suppose we are all bigoted on some things to one degree or another. Other people can accept it in us or not as they see fit.
It is a fundamental right of business to serve only those you choose. Otherwise your labor and time could not be said to belong to you but rather the state effectively making you a slave rather than a free man.
Nobody has an obligation to take on any particular customer for any particular reason.
I’m simply saying that if he’s going to deny service to certain persons on the basis of his Christian faith then I would hope that he’s applying those beliefs consistently, in accordance with the teachings of the Bible. OTOH, if he’s going to simply deny service to persons he personally finds objectionable, so be it. But if so, then his religious beliefs are not relevant to that.
you know I wouldn't have any problem assisting a gay customer at all if they were like they used to be and didnt make an issue of or flaunt it like they do via the new gaystapo regime where they try to force it down your throat no pun intended). I really get the sense that this new generation of gay people are a lot more peverted and sexually deviant than generations past. They're really not doing themselves any favors for sure.
I called him a moron because there is no rational relation between sodomy and fixing a truck.
Apparently Cummins Diesel has requested that he stop using their logo. They also state that “At Cummins, diversity is a core value”.
https://twitter.com/Cummins/status/588739640292560897?hc_location=ufi
When has it been okay to exclude Jews in America?
If that’s a serious question, i suggest you do some reading, because your lack of knowledge in this area is scary.
I’d say homosexuality is worse than having an affair or premarital sex. Its a lifestyle that deadends the human race.
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