A local pizza shop has found itself at the center of controversy after refusing to cater to a same-sex couple’s wedding.
Pizzeria Cortile, owned by Justin and Amanda Jo Bennett, is facing mounting criticism from community members and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, who are calling the decision discriminatory.
The controversy began when an Instagram user shared a screenshot of a direct message exchange with the restaurant. In the message, Pizzeria Cortile reportedly stated, “We do not cater same-sex weddings.”
The response quickly gained traction on social media, sparking outrage.
Elizabeth Haley, Executive Director of Seed Theatre, a nonprofit supporting LGBTQ+ inclusion through the arts in Chattanooga, said she was stunned by the restaurant’s response.
“I was really shocked that they just put it out there like that,” Haley said. “Because such a simple comment and such a simple statement has rocked Chattanooga.”
After the backlash, former Red Bank Mayor Hollie Berry posted to her social media the city’s mission statement, which emphasizes providing “excellent and efficient services” and “welcoming all.”
Haley believes the restaurant’s actions conflict with these values.
“You’ve made it very clear who you want to do business with and who you don’t,” Haley said.
Tennessee’s civil rights laws do not include protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. These laws currently cover race, color, religion, sex, disability, and national origin, leaving LGBTQ+ individuals vulnerable to exclusion in certain situations.
Attempts to reach the Bennetts at their restaurant were unsuccessful. Local 3’s Xavier Harris visited Pizzeria Cortile, but the shop was closed. At their nearby business, Restoration Hair Company, employees locked the door and would not speak to reporters.
The restaurant released a statement on Instagram, saying, “We’ve worked hard to create an environment where everyone feels loved and respected. Recently, we made the difficult decision not to cater a wedding due to our personal beliefs. This decision was not intended to harm or hurt anyone.”
Haley and other advocates argue that actions like these create an unwelcoming environment for LGBTQ+ individuals.
“It’s just exhausting because we work really hard to exist in our own spaces, to be happy and healthy. That’s it. The gay agenda is to live. That’s it,” Haley said.
The incident has sparked broader conversations about inclusion, equality, and the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals in Tennessee. As protests and calls for accountability continue, the community watches closely to see what steps will be taken next.