Tennessee pizzeria faces backlash for refusing to cater same-sex weddings

A pizzeria in Tennessee received widespread criticism after confirming it does not cater same-sex weddings because of the personal beliefs of its owners, but detractors are left with few options under state law.

Earlier this week, a user posted on social media pics of a conversation with Pizzeria Cortile in Red Bank, near Chattanooga. Owned by Justin and Amanda Jo Bennett, the pizzeria confirmed it refuses to cater same-sex weddings. The post did not specify the exact reason the owners refused to provide catering services, but others posted it was because of their religious beliefs.

The post quickly gained local traction, with users leaving low or high ratings and reviews for the establishment online, depending upon whether they opposed or supported the decision.

Elizabeth Griggs Haley, executive director and CEO of The Seed Theatre, which supports LGBTQ+ inclusion in the local arts scene, called for a boycott of Pizzeria Cortile in a post to social media.

“We are all about putting our money where our mouth is these days, so along with NEVER eating there again make a donation to local organizations who are supporting queer people,” Haley wrote.

The Bennetts and Pizzeria Cortile quickly responded to the controversy with a post to social media, saying their “decision was not intended to harm or hurt anyone” and apologizing “for the pain” caused by their decision.

“Recently we made the difficult decision not to cater a wedding due to our personal beliefs,” the statement reads. “This belief comes from a place of personal conviction, one we know is not shared by everyone, and it is one we hold without judgment toward others.”

The post reminded others “that while we may not always agree, we can still treat others with dignity and love.”

The post confirming the decision and explaining the reason and stance of the owners caused one local business, the Book & Cover, to sever its partnership with Pizzeria Cortile.

“This stance is not in keeping with our values as individuals or as a business," the Book & Cover posted. "It is vitally important to us that it is clear we treasure and respect the queer members of our community and celebrate the rights and love that they carry.”

Despite ending its partnership, the Book & Cover stressed it did not want its social media posts to become “a forum for sharing frustration or comments about either Pizzeria Cortile or our business practices. In firm agreement and strong disagreement, we are all humans in a community together. Each business has chosen to operate in accordance with its values and beliefs, and consumers are free to be similarly discerning.”

While the move by the Bennetts' Pizzeria Cortile upset many in the LGBTQ+ and local communities, the decision appears to be protected under state law.

Discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations based on a person’s age, color, creed, disability, national origin, race, religion, and sex is banned by the Tennessee Human Rights Act. The law also prohibits sanctions against businesses and religious and service providers if they deny services because of their “profoundly held beliefs.” The law does not provide any of these protections based on a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.

Haley told local ABC affiliate WRCB that the entire ordeal has been a difficult strain but vowed to continue her struggle for LGBTQ+ rights and recognition.

“It’s just exhausting because we work really hard to exist in our own spaces, to be happy and healthy,” Haley told WRCB, adding, “That’s it. The gay agenda is to live. That’s it.”

Pizzeria Cortile has declined further media comment at this time.