April 2018 - Parks & Recreation - 23

ment that " an individual's patronage of, or presence at a place
of public accommodation, is objectionable, unwelcome, unacceptable or undesirable " because of their sexual orientation.
Convictions for violations of the ordinance could result in a
fine of not more than $500 and imprisonment for not more than
90 days or both.
Facts of the Case
Plaintiff Stephen Tennes promotes his family business, Country
Mill Farms, as a place to host weddings. Country Mill Farms is
in Charlotte, Michigan, about 22 miles from East Lansing. In
conformity with his religious beliefs, Tennes will not host weddings on his farm between same-sex couples.
In 2014, Tennes had been contacted by two women who were
seeking to have their wedding ceremony at a Country Mill orchard. Because " promoting and participating " in a same-sex
wedding at Country Mill would violate Tennes' religious beliefs, he referred the women to another orchard in the area.
On August 22, 2016, one of the women posted a message
on Facebook, discouraging people from patronizing Country
Mill because Tennes had declined to host her wedding. In the
ensuing discussion, questions were posed about Tennes' religious beliefs.
On Wednesday, August 24, 2016, Tennes posted a statement about his religious beliefs on Facebook. Based on his
Catholic faith, Tennes believes that marriage is a sacramental
union between one man and one woman. Further, Tennes
" honors his religious belief when hosting and participating
in weddings at Country Mill. " He explained that, because of
his religious beliefs, he would refer any request to celebrate
same-sex wedding ceremonies at Country Mill to another orchard in the area.
On Friday, August 26, the parks and recreation director
for the city called Country Mill and asked Tennes to agree
not to attend the East Lansing Farmer's Market (ELFM)
on Sunday, August 28. Country Mill, however, attended the
Farmer's Market on Sunday, August 28, and for the rest of
the 2016 season. Tennes alleged the city did not stop asking
him and his family business to leave the Farmer's Market.
Because of the pressure of the city, Tennes decided to temporarily stop booking future weddings at Country Mill. Tennes
posted his decision on Facebook and informed the city.
Second Facebook Post
On December 12, 2016, Tennes posted another message on
Country Mill's Facebook page, announcing that Country Mill
would again host wedding ceremonies, but only ceremonies involving one man and one woman:

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Parks & Recreation

April 2018 - Parks & Recreation

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