A pizzeria is facing widespread criticism after sending a message to a customer admitting it will not cater same-sex weddings.
Pizzeria Cortile owners Justin and Amanda Jo Bennett sparked controversy after a photo of a direct message from their restaurant Instagram was shared online.
The message asked them to confirm that a rumor claiming they would deny services to same-sex couples was true, to which they replied that it was.
The couple has been working ever since posted a statement on Facebook they defend their “difficult” decision, saying it is based on “personal beliefs.”
The image quickly caught the public’s attention and many began to criticize the restaurant for their ‘discrimination’.
One commenter, who racked up more than 250 likes, said: ‘There are no two reasonable sides here. No one asked you to be gay. Or promote any message. They asked for pizza.”
The owners further responded to the comment in a Facebook post that said: “This belief stems from a personal belief, a belief that we know is not shared by everyone, and that we hold without judgment of others. This decision was not intended to harm or hurt anyone, and we regret the pain this has caused people who have been part of our community.”
The statement further added that they “recognize and hear” the feedback they received following their decision.
“We hope that with time we can find an opportunity to show grace and listen to each other, and to remember that even though we may not always agree, we can still treat each other with dignity and love.
“We are grateful for the relationships we have built with you over the years, and we hope you will give us the opportunity to continue showing your love when you come through our doors.”
The owners of Pizzeria Cortile, Justin and Amanda Jo Bennett, posted a statement on Facebook claiming that their recent “difficult” decision to refuse their services to a gay wedding was based on “personal beliefs.”
The controversy arose after a photo of an Instagram direct message was shared on social media, where the restaurant stated it does not host same-sex weddings. The image quickly caught the public’s attention and many began to criticize the restaurant for their ‘discrimination’.
However, the pizzeria’s Facebook page has since been flooded with messages criticizing their position.
“I prefer my pizza without a side of homophobia,” wrote one.
“Imagine refusing money because of homophobia… in this economy I think that’s insane,” said another.
Many vowed to boycott the restaurant, and some long-time customers expressed sadness but promised the same.
The screenshot of the direct message with the company has been shared widely on their page, under posts and in mentions.
‘I have been a supporter from the start. Since you started building the Local Slice food truck down the street from my parents. I was rooting for you,” it said.
“I bought a gift card during the pandemic when you couldn’t open the restaurant but asked for community support to keep your business going. I was super excited about Laney’s. I consider you all friends. I am truly and deeply saddened by this.”
‘You can try to wrap this up in a nice bow by using words like “our personal beliefs,” but what you are doing is discriminating against others. It’s bigotry, plain and simple. Very disappointed in all of you,” another commenter wrote.
Others saw a different side and wondered if the criticism would be the same if it had been a different religion.
Another commenter, who claimed to know the family, said: “This family is such a kind and sweet family. If you pronounce them badly, you don’t really know them. It saddens me that Christians are being attacked like this. Liberals want to shout: love everyone and everyone should have their own beliefs, but they mean everyone except Christians
“Would you just chalk it up to ‘well, that’s their religion’ and go on your way and still come there regularly with a detached understanding? Please look into your hearts. They have never been hateful toward anyone or refused to serve anyone,” they wrote.
‘They simply feel that they are endangering their own faith and are being hypocritical for profiting from it. While we may or may not agree with it, we can try to be just as understanding of others, such as Muslims or even Amish people. Let’s just be good people.’
Another commenter, who claimed to know the family, said: ‘This family is such a kind and sweet family.
‘If you pronounce them badly, you don’t really know them. It saddens me that Christians are being attacked like this. Liberals want to shout: love everyone and everyone should have their own beliefs, but they mean everyone except Christians.
“In case you didn’t know, when you own your own business, you have the right to do whatever you want.
“I can promise you that they won’t miss your business because they will still get the business from their family and friends who really know them and know their hearts. We love you and we still support you! Ignore all feelings of hatred.’
DailyMail.com has contacted Pizzeria Cortile for comment.