After Facing Backlash For Opting Not To Offer Catering Services For Same-Sex Weddings, Mainly From LGBTQ+ Advocacy Groups, 5-Star Reviews Flooded Pizzeria Cortile’s Facebook Page As Customers Commented On Their Appreciation Of The “Child-Friendly” Atmosphere And The Business’s “Good Morals,” “Traditional Values,” And Support Of “Normalcy.”
Image Credit: pizzeriacortile.com
The Tennessee Conservative Staff –
A Chattanooga pizzeria in Red Bank is facing backlash after opting not to offer catering services for same-sex weddings because of “personal conviction.”
Pizzeria Cortile owners Justin and Amanda Jo Bennett came under fire Monday after a screenshot was shared by an Instagram user, showing the business confirming that they do not cater same-sex weddings.
Criticism came primarily through social media from community members as well as LGBTQ+ advocacy groups.
On Tuesday, Pizzeria Cortile released the following statement on their Facebook account:
“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 judgement toward others. This decision was not intended to harm or hurt anyone, and we are sorry for the pain this has cause 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.”
While comments were restricted on that post, other posts were riddled with negative comments, referring to the owners as “bigots” and “homophobic” and even suggesting that someone contact the IRS to audit them.
The Book and Cover, a local independent bookstore and coffeeshop, also announced that they would no longer be partnering with the pizza shop because the restaurant’s decision “is not in keeping with our values as individuals or as a business.”
Pizzeria Cortile remained closed on Tuesday but was open again Wednesday, reportedly packed with customers.
5-star reviews flooded their Facebook page as customers commented on their appreciation of the “child-friendly” atmosphere and the business’s “good morals,” “traditional values,” and support of “normalcy.”
Brandon Lewis, founder of The Tennessee Conservative, said in a post on X:
“We have religious freedoms & freedom of association in this country for a reason. I’m going to support these people.”
