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Charlotte Farmer Will See East Lansing In Court This Week

Michigan Farm Bureau YouTube screenshot
Steve Tennes

A federal judge could decide on Wednesday whether a Charlotte farmer can go forward with his lawsuit against East Lansing. 

On Wednesday, Steve Tennes' attorneys will defend his claim. While the city will argue that the lawsuit should be thrown out. 

Tennes owns Country Mill Farms in Charlotte. He sold apples and produce at the East Lansing Farmers Market since 2010. But his application was denied this year because of a Facebook post. That post said Country Mill reserved the right to deny wedding requests that violate his Catholic beliefs. Specifically, same sex marriage ceremonies.

The city said it's not required to open its property and engage in commercial transactions with people who violate the city's policy.

But Tennes said the city violated his First Amendment right to free speech and religious exercise.

Before becoming the newest Capitol reporter for Michigan Public Radio Network, Cheyna Roth was an attorney. She spent her days fighting it out in court as an assistant prosecuting attorney for Ionia County.
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