Group sues florist for refusing order

CRANSTON, R.I. (WPRI) -- The Freedom From Religion Foundation is suing the florist who refused to deliver flowers to Jessica Ahlquist after she won her court case last year.

Papers filed in Providence Superior Court show that the Freedom From Religion Foundation is suing Twins Florist of Cranston for refusing to deliver flowers to the teen who successfully fought to remove the prayer banner at Cranston West in January 2012.

The Attorney representing the Wisconsin based Freedom From Religion Foundation says the florist’s decision violates Rhode Island law.

"It's essentially the Public Accommodation Act, even though you are a private business allowed to have whatever customers you want, you have to do so in a non-discriminatory basis,” said Attorney Catherine Godin.

Godin says when Jessica Alhquist won her case the FFRF ordered a dozen roses be sent to her home.

According to the lawsuit, Florist Owner Marina Plowman declined to send the flowers saying it was her freedom of speech to refuse any floral orders she wants.

Plowman’s attorney did not return calls from Eyewitness News, but told our news partners at the Providence Journal that the case is frivolous.

Godwin says the organization argues that action was done in a discriminating way based on religion or in this case, non-religion.

A second florist named in the complaint chose to mediate it before the Commission on Human rights, which Marina Plowman could have done, but instead opted to go to court.