Christian business owners face a tension between obeying civil law and honoring God’s Word, especially when asked to provide services for gay weddings. Scripture makes clear that God’s commands take preeminence over human laws when the two conflict, as seen in Daniel’s refusal to defile himself with the king’s food and the faithful stand of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Homosexuality is a sin according to the Bible, and marriage is defined as the union of one man and one woman. While Christians are called to obey human authorities, they are also called to resist participation in sin.
Providing services to a gay couple is ultimately a matter of conscience, requiring discernment, prayer, and wisdom. Some Christians may choose to decline services entirely to avoid signaling approval of behavior that Scripture calls sinful, understanding that civil penalties or social backlash may follow. Others may choose to provide limited services, balancing obedience to civil law with personal convictions. Above all, Christians must prioritize glorifying God in their interactions, reflecting His love and upholding biblical truth, even when doing so involves personal or financial risk. The decision to provide or not provide services for a gay wedding should be guided by a commitment to honor God, rather than to conform to the expectations of the state or culture.
Providing services to a gay couple is a matter of conscience. Some Christians might see honoring God in this situation as taking a hard stance and providing no services for a gay wedding. Some may see it as using discernment for what type of services they will provide. For example, a photographer might choose not to photograph an LGBTQ couple, but a person who makes invitations might choose to print them for a gay couple.
Christians who agree to supply services to a gay wedding have a number of options. They can quietly go about their business with excellence, get paid, and move on. Or they might decide to respond to the situation by seeking to advance the kingdom of God. This approach would bring with it some challenges of how to do that. At the same time, there is a fine line on which to balance when Christians choose to "comply with" anti-discrimination laws and provide services to homosexual weddings and other pro-gay events. We should not compromise our faith to earn another client or to avoid the fear of discrimination. We should seek to honor God and not man.
If a Christian chooses to not provide services for a gay wedding, they might face repercussions including backlash, negative comments, and even legal action. If a Christian prayerfully decides that civil disobedience is the road to take, or decides not to provide services for a gay wedding, they must be prepared to endure the punishment of the state. In the case of a small business, such as a photographer, baker, or florist, refusing to cater to a gay wedding, the fines imposed are ostensibly meant to drive them out of business, if infractions continue unabated.
Above all, Christians should have the primary goal of honoring and glorifying God, who gives everyone—believers and non-believers—life. We also need to show love to everyone and allow God's love and truth to govern our every decision.
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