Mary’s Gourmet Diner in North Carolina stopped offering its 15 percent discount to customers who pray or meditate before digging into their meals in fear of facing a lawsuit from the secular organization Freedom From Religion Foundation.
Diner co-owner Mary Haglund had been offering the “praying in public” discount for the last four years but when FFRF approached her with their concern, she quickly did away with the offer so her little business would not risk being shut down. While Haglund insisted that people of all faiths could avail of the discount as long as they prayed before their meals, FFRF alleged that her diner was discriminating between believers and nonbelievers.
“Your restaurant’s restrictive promotional practice favors religious customers, and denies customers who do not pray and nonbelievers the right to ‘full and equal’ enjoyment of Mary’s Gourmet Diner,” wrote FFRF staff attorney Elizabeth Cavell in a public letter.
FFRF did not have to go so far as to actually file a lawsuit, as the letter was enough pressure for the Winston-Salem diner to stop its contentious practice. Soon after its change in policy, Mary’s Gourmet Diner put up a handwritten notice informing visitors of the discount no longer being available.
“While you may exercise your right of religious freedom at this restaurant by praying over your meal to any entity or non-entity, we must protect your freedom from religion in a public place. It is illegal and we are being threatened by lawsuit,” the sign read.
Haglund clarified to local media that she never intended to offend anyone. Her daughter Shama Blalock, who is also co-owner of the restaurant, said that they have been receiving offers of help from outside in case they wish to contend FFRF’s claims.
Andrew Lazare, a frequent visitor at the diner, was upset about the discount being withdrawn and showed his support for Haglund.
“It’s a shame that she tried to do something good for people, no matter what it be, and she gets pressure for it,” Lazare said.
Photo Credits: Road Trippers
