To right-wing extremists, it seemed to be just the story they were waiting for to validate their screeds against LGBT rights. But was it a true tale, or sweet little lies and distortions as tasty as (not-for-lesbians) wedding cake?
The story starts with an Idaho Christian couple compelled — forced! — to wed same-sex couples in their chapel. Exactly the scenario for which prominent opponents of marriage equality have been bracing themselves (and their followers) as more states and cities legalize same-sex marriage and adopt LGBT-inclusive nondiscrimination policies.
With apparent relish, the right wing has spread the tale of the Hitching Post and raised the specter of persecuted ministers, with conservative pundits such as Mike Huckabee and Todd Starnes weighing in. The Idaho chapel’s owners resolved that they would shut down before they’d give in to the city of Coeur d’Alene’s supposed mandate that they let same-sex couples get hitched at the Hitching Post or face fines or jail time.
The hitch for the Hitching Post controversy? There was no such marriage equality mandate, or threat of jail time, fines, or any sort of legal action if the Hitching Post continued to refuse service to same-sex couples.
Authored By Stevie St. John – See the Full Story at The Advocate
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