Subway is under fire for alleged religious discrimination against Christians after a Wisconsin outlet refused service to customers wearing anti-abortion and anti-gay T-shirts.
Street preacher David Grisham, visiting for the Republican National Convention, stopped by a Subway in Waunakee with friends, only to be turned away by a young employee due to their shirts’ messages.
Viral Video and Public Reaction
A video of the incident quickly went viral, igniting a wave of criticism from the Christian community. Many expressed their anger and called for a boycott similar to the one faced by Bud Light.
One user declared, “I will never set foot in one of their filthy little stores again,” reflecting the intense backlash Subway is now facing.
The Preacher’s Perspective
Grisham, hailing from Amarillo, Texas, insisted that he and his group had no intention of provoking anyone. Their neon T-shirts displayed slogans like “abortion is murder” and a paraphrase from Romans I condemning gay sex.
Grisham shared on Facebook that they had been inside for less than a minute and hadn’t spoken to anyone when the employee refused to serve them, allegedly using profanity.
Legal and Social Context
Title II of the 1964 Civil Rights Act prohibits restaurants from discriminating based on religion. However, recent legal precedents complicate the matter.
In 2022, the Supreme Court sided with Denver baker Jack Phillips, who refused to make a wedding cake for a same-sex couple, citing his rights to freedom of speech and religion. This ruling may influence similar cases like Grisham’s.
The Confrontation
The viral video, titled “Subway Karen refuses service to Christians in Wanaukee, WI,” shows the employee confirming she was refusing service when asked.
When pressed for a reason, she cited the T-shirts as a personal matter. The exchange ended with the customer suggesting that Subway’s corporate office would hear about the incident.
Financial Troubles and Customer Reactions
Subway franchisee River Subs, which runs 48 outlets, recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. This incident could exacerbate their troubles, as some customers vow to switch to competitors like Taco Bell.
Critics online questioned whether Subway discriminates against other religious symbols, such as hijabs or yamakas.
Mixed Reactions from the Christian Community
While some Christians supported Grisham, others criticized him for seeking confrontation. One person commented, “Subway will not take your side, nor will any reasonably minded person.” Another preferred “radical love exhibited in Christ’s name” over Grisham’s approach.
Awaiting Subway’s Response
Dailymail.com has reached out to Subway for comment. The company’s response to this incident will likely be scrutinized as it navigates the delicate balance between free speech and anti-discrimination policies.
TDPel Media
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