Mich. Business Owner Sparks Social Media Frenzy for Offering Discount to Gun Owners, Refusing Service to Gay Customers
A small business owner in Grandville, Michigan is drawing national media attention for recently offering a discount to gun owners on social media, while also adding that he will not provide services to openly gay customers.
Brian Klawiter, owner of Dieseltec in Grandville, Michigan, made his comments on his business' Facebook page this week. Klawiter's business specializes in the repair and performance of diesel vehicles.
"Our rights as conservative Americans are being squashed more and more everyday. Apparently if you are white (or close to it), you have a job, go to church, and own a gun [...] That translates into racists, privileged, bigot, conspiracy theorist. Too many of us say nothing. Well, freedom of speech isn't just for Liberals, THEY are the ones that need to learn to 'co-exist', THEY are the ones who need to WORK to be 'equal'," Klawiter wrote on his Facebook page.
"I am a Christian. My company will be run in a way that reflects that. Dishonesty, thievery, immoral behavior, etc. will not be welcomed at MY place of business. (I would not hesitate to refuse service to an openly gay person or persons. Homosexuality is wrong, period," Klawiter added.
The business owner's posting has received plenty of mixed comments on social media, with some arguing that Klawiter is likely harming his business with his Facebook posts.
Some even accused Klawiter of trying to earn money in similar way a small pizza shop in Illinois raised nearly one million dollars after the owner voiced their opposition to same-sex marriage, subsequently receiving death threats.
Memories Pizza in Walkerton, Illinois was given nearly one million dollars in donations after it was forced to temporarily shutter its doors due to death threats.
Klawiter has denied on his company's Facebook page that he is trying to spark controversy in order to gain attention and raise donations for his business.
