Five days into LGBTQ+ Pride Month, Southern Pines-based florist business Soirée Pines posted on the store’s Instagram and Facebook pages, announcing the establishment refuses to provide services for same-sex weddings.
“We do not endorse treating anyone unkindly because they identify with the LGBTQIA+ community because we too, fall short of the righteous demands of God,” some of the post reads. “However, we believe that feeling shame or guilt may actually be a call to reconciliation with God, and because we believe this feeling may be an effectual call to some to repent and place their trust in Christ Jesus who met all of the righteous demands of God in His life, death, resurrection and ascension, we do not service LGBTQIA+ couples.”
The post, filled with references to Bible verses and Christian scriptural texts, cites the business’s supposed Christian morals as the reason for not servicing queer, trans and gender-nonconforming couples.
“Salvation is not earned through human effort or merit but is a gift of God’s grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ,” the post states. “Christ Jesus’ sacrifice is central to our belief, as He atoned for our sins, offering us forgiveness and eternal life…”
The shop has received backlash online for the post, with many commenters from Southern Pines, calling out Soirée Pines’ alleged discriminatory practices.
One comment stated: “I suspect it is pandering and you were not having to post it because you were overrun with requests to do gay weddings. Just inspired to be a jerk for Pride Month.”
Another comment read: “Perfect example of why people are turning away from Christianity in droves. Here’s an actual quote from Jesus: ‘Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.’ Maybe try that! You soulless, soon to be unemployed bigot.”
PFLAG Southern Pines President Erica Street called the post “disappointing,” according to reporting from WRAL.
“While Soirée Pines is certainly free to service whomever they choose, our community is also free to hire any florist of their choice,” Street wrote. “We have many other florists here who are welcoming and affirming.”
Qnotes reached out to Soirée Pines for comment, but didn’t hear back in time for publication.