Christian Dieseltec Owner Gets Death Threats for Saying He Will Refuse Service to 'Openly Gay' People Who Show PDA in His Shop
A conservative Christian owner of a Dieseltec auto repair shop in Grandville, Michigan, who sparked controversy this week when he declared that he won't hesitate "to refuse service to an openly gay person or persons," says he's now receiving death threats but will not back down from his views.
"Listen up folks, if you have an opposing view to mine that IS OK, what is NOT OK is threats to kill me, my family, and friends; threats to burn down my shop and my home. I will stand firm on my views and will not back down. I said I am a Christian and I think any true (as you all like to call it) Christian would readily admit they are a sinner, as am I, and that we practice our religion: i.e. try to get better at it," Dieseltec owner Brian Klawiter wrote in a post on Facebook Thursday that has been liked by more than 2,000 people.
"I am NOT Jesus. What he did was perfect. And as far as what he would do I will not speculate, as I am merely broken flesh. The Bible has been at the center of debate many times and left subject to interpretation. My interpretation is different than yours. I did not ask to debate sin, however, I am being reminded of mixed fabrics and eating shellfish ... so can we all agree then that homosexuality is a sin? If it is, then we should always make an effort to move away from sin, right?" he added.
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On Tuesday, in his initial post about openly gay people and other behavior the Bible condemns, Klawiter said, as a Christian, he could not tolerate public displays of affection from same-sex couples in his shop.
"I am a Christian. My company will be run in a way that reflects that. Dishonesty, thievery, immoral behavior, etc., will not be welcomed at MY place of business. (I would not hesitate to refuse service to an openly gay person or persons. Homosexuality is wrong, period. If you want to argue this fact with me, then I will put your vehicle together with all bolts and no nuts and you can see how that works)," he noted.
"It IS a free country and I support your right to your opinion. That being said, if you don't like what I have to say, I reserve that same right to tell you to go cry to your momma (cause your daddy would probably smack ya'; better yet, yes, go tell your dad)," he added in that post, which has been like more than 3,000 times.
Klawiter's actions are perfectly legal in Michigan and Grandville Mayor Steve Maas told News 8 it will stay that way unless the citizens asks him to change it.
"There are many people who have deeply held, sincerely held, very conservative religious and political beliefs. But on the other hand, that same group of people is a very kind group of people that does not tolerate bigotry and intolerance, so it would be very interesting to see that debate," said Maas, when asked about laws that would prevent Klawiter from denying service to gays who publicly show affection in his shop.
Klawiter, on the other hand, said there is no need for a non-discrimination ordinance that includes sexual orientation in Grandville.
"I've chosen to put God first in my life, and He owns everything in me and my business and beyond. … Since that becomes a priority, I can't sacrifice on those morals," he said.
