Some of the people banned
Fargo, North Dakota, coffee shop owner Joe Curry does not appreciate the 56 North Dakota legislators who voted against a bill that would have protected
LGBT people from discrimination. Curry put up a sign:
"Ban effective immediately. The listed Men & Women are now banned from entering this establishment.* This is based solely on age, gender, race, beliefs, color, religion & disability."
That asterisk points to this statement:
"Unless accompanied by a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transexual, Queer, Intersex or Asexual person."
Curry's coffee shop is the
Red Raven Espresso Parlor. His intention is not to discriminate as he pointed out.
The day after he posted the ban, Curry went on Facebook to clarify that it was satirical, and he would happily serve anyone, even the 56 lawmakers.
"The Red Raven Espresso Parlor wants to clarify that all are welcome in our space. We do not attempt to discriminate," he wrote. "The intent of our 'ban' was to satirize the environment that the legislation created for the LGBTQ+ community by voting against SB 2279. Here at the Raven we have workers and patrons who are included in this community who are directly impacted by this stringent and detached ruling. We stand by these individuals, as they are our families and friends. Its time the legislation affirms what the majority believes to be a fair, human practice of non-discrimination. In short, these 56 individuals are still welcomed into our establishment; however, their action/non-action has impacted far more than 56 individuals. Our 'ban' ponders the question, 'What if that discrimination were re-directed, and reversed?' All we can confirm is that, either way, it feels icky."
The Forum's full front page with all of the lawmakers who voted against the LGBT community below the fold.