Mich. Farmer Fights Back Against East Lansing for Violating His Religious Freedom

Washington Free Beacon ^ | 4/12/19 | Jeffrey Cimmino

[marshmallow]

'If you have a government that can go after somebody because they don’t agree with his beliefs, that is a problem for everybody'

A Michigan farmer is challenging city officials after he was banned from a farmer's market following a Facebook post in which he affirmed the Catholic Church's teachings on marriage.

Steve Tennes, who runs Country Mill Farms, is challenging the city of East Lansing and seeking a permanent order in federal court on Friday that would allow him to continue participating at the city's farmer's market, according to the Alliance Defending Freedom.

City officials targeted Tennes after seeing a Facebook post from 2016, in which he responded to a question about whether his family would use Country Mill Farms to host a same-sex wedding. Steve said they would not host a same-sex wedding because his family believes marriage is between one man and one woman, however he and his family always served everyone at their farm and at the market.

"Starting in August 2010, our family farm had taken our organic apples, peaches, and blueberries 22 miles away from our farm into the city of East Lansing where we had served everyone of all backgrounds for seven years," Tennes told the Washington Free Beacon, adding that the city had invited his family back every year as a "preferred vendor."

After seeing his post, a city council member denounced Tennes's Catholic beliefs in a public debate, calling them "ridiculous, horrible, [and] hateful things." The mayor of East Lansing claimed Tennes was translating his "Catholic view on marriage" into a business practice and was only doing it for money. Other city officials argued his views on marriage reflected those defending racism in the Jim Crow era.

[CondorFlight]

Sue the city for all past lost revenue, plus penalties.

[MarMema]

East Lansing is a hellhole. My husband has had to go there for training a few times and he showers as soon as he gets home.

[rcofdayton]

This is religious discrimination, pure and simple. So much for the tolerant left.

[Carl Vehse]

East Lansing, its leftwing, anti-Christian mayor and city council, should be sued jointly and severally for violating the first and fourteenth amendment rights of Steve Tennes.

[onedoug]

The First Amendment means nothing to such so-called Americans.

[farming pharmer]

Not surprised that East Lansing has an active homofascist element in their city goverment.

They're going to lose this lawsuit, and I hope the farmer recovers damages + penalties.

[Maudeen]

May God richly bless this man.

[an amused spectator]

Other city officials argued his views on marriage reflected those defending racism in the Jim Crow era.

Mayor Pierre Buttgiggity would agree that it's like Jim Crow - in seven different languages, and many assorted "Giggitys!"...

[Karl Spooner]

Did Facebook ban him too?

[SuperLuminal]

Tick...Tock... We must be approaching within 30-seconds of 12:00 on the doomsday clock...

[mabarker1]

Did I miss the part where The 1st Amendment no longer exists ?

[DuncanWaring]

Those crying “Jim Crow” should be reminded that “Jim Crow” laws were a creation of Democrats.

[Buckeye McFrog]

Not surprised that East Lansing has an active homofascist element in their city goverment.

True of any community that is dominated by a large university.

[SkyDancer]

For the liberal left you’re no longer entitled to it, just they.

[fwdude]

I wonder if this farmer denies selling produce to open homos? Oh, he doesn’t?

So, what is the basis of the ban? Animus? Yes.

[Wonder Warthog]

"So much for the tolerant left."

"The Left" has never been tolerant of anything other then their own current "meme of the day".