A Tennessee pizza shop has found itself at the center of a cultural firestorm after affirming its decision not to cater same-sex weddings due to “personal convictions.” Pizzeria Cortile, a wood-fired pizza eatery in Chattanooga, stood firm in its beliefs, even as online critics launched a barrage of attacks against the small business.
The controversy erupted after the progressive news outlet *The Chattanooga Holler* highlighted the policy on Monday, sparking backlash from activists and social media users. In response, Pizzeria Cortile released a measured and heartfelt statement on Facebook, explaining its position.
“Recently we made the difficult decision not to cater a wedding due to our personal beliefs,” the statement read. “This belief comes from a place of personal conviction, one we know is not shared by everyone, and it is one we hold without judgment toward others. This decision was not intended to harm or hurt anyone, and we are sorry for the pain this has caused for people who have been a part of our community.”
The statement also emphasized the pizzeria’s commitment to treating others with respect, even amid disagreement: “We hope with time we can find an opportunity to extend grace and listen to one another, and to remember that while we may not always agree, we can still treat each other with dignity and love.”
Despite the respectful tone, the backlash was swift and fierce. Critics flooded the pizzeria’s social media pages with negative comments, many accusing the owners of bigotry. Posts on unrelated topics, such as photos of the shop’s dishes, were inundated with over 1,500 comments within a day.
“There aren’t two reasonable sides here,” one commenter claimed. “Nobody asked you to be gay. Or promote any kind of message. They asked for pizza. And bigots refused. That’s the whole story.”
Others mocked the business, sarcastically suggesting the owners might begin interrogating customers about their sexual orientation at the door.
But not everyone joined the pile-on. Supporters of the pizzeria pointed to the owners’ right to make decisions based on their faith and values, citing Supreme Court precedents protecting such actions.
“The Supreme Court has ruled on this, and it is in fact not discrimination,” one defender wrote. “You are free to make your own choices, but so are they. Who are you to force someone else to share your beliefs but expect them not to do the same?”
The progressive outlet that ignited the backlash, *The Chattanooga Holler*, framed the business’s policy as discriminatory, fueling further outrage. However, many conservatives view the attacks as part of a broader trend of intolerance toward those who hold traditional values.
In the face of this controversy, Pizzeria Cortile remains focused on serving its community, thanking its loyal customers and asking for understanding: “We hope to continue showing love to you when you come through our doors.”
As the cultural divide deepens, the story underscores the growing tension between personal conviction and public pressure—a reminder that standing firm in one’s beliefs often comes at a cost. Yet, for many, the principle of staying true to deeply held values is worth defending, no matter the backlash.
