The Christian owners of a gift shop and bistro in Iowa -- who were earlier charged with discrimination and had to pay for a settlement after refusing to hold a same-sex wedding at the venue -- say they are now having to close down their business completely, the Christian Post website reports today (June 20, 2015).
Richard Odgaard and his wife, Betty -- the owners of Gortz Haus Gallery in Grimes, Iowa -- say they will close their business completely by the end of August, about two years after they told a gay couple from Des Moines their facility cannot be rented for the wedding.
The gay couple promptly filed a discrimination complaint through the Iowa Civil Rights Commission. Although the Odgaards refused to admit they discriminated against the same-sex couple, they agreed to a $5,000 settlement.
"Our faith hasn't changed," Betty said after the settlement. "Of course, it's kind of a crushing blow because that's a major part of our business and weddings are so absolutely gorgeous in that place."
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