"Tennessee pizzeria stands firm on not catering same-sex 'wedding' despite pro-LGBT backlash"

"The owners of a Tennessee pizzeria have shown no signs of backing down after receiving a deluge of criticism for declining to cater a same-sex 'wedding.'

The owners of Pizzeria Cortile found themselves and their business under attack after a photo of a text message in which they confirmed that 'we do not cater same sex weddings' was shared online by a local leftist media outlet, The Chattanooga Holler.

'INBOX: Evidently, Pizzeria Cortile will not cater to same sex weddings. Just letting folks not waste their time (or money),' the derisive news organization wrote.

'Recently, we made the difficult decision not to cater a wedding due to our personal beliefs. 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 pizzeria’s owners explained on the restaurant’s Facebook page. 'This decision was not intended to harm or hurt anyone, and we are sorry for the pain this has caused for people who have been a part of our community.'

'We recognize and hear the feedback from everyone who has reached out today. We hope with time we can find an opportunity to extend grace and listen to one another, and to remember that while we may not always agree, we can still treat each other with dignity and love,' they wrote, encouraging detractors to consider thoughtful responses to their decision.

'We are thankful for the relationships we have built with you over the years, and we hope you will give us the chance to continue showing love to you when you come through our doors,' they added.

An opinion headline published by the Chattanooga Times Free Press claimed with certitude: 'Pizzaria’s refusal to cater gay wedding is about bigotry, not beliefs.'

Many were quick to take to social media to accuse the owners of bigotry and 'homophobia,' and took aim at the owners’ presumed Christian beliefs. Some predictably suggested that the pizzeria be boycotted or that it should be investigated by the IRS.

'No hate like ‘christian’ (sic) love,' one angry critic wrote.

'Place is owned and managed by bigots,' another wrote. 'Imagine it’s 2024 and you’re still living like it’s 1924. Grow up and remember the Golden Rule.'"