It’s a miracle in Southeast Portland!
Last year, the co-founder of the Moreland Farmer’s Pantry sparked debate and derision, when it came to light she’d vocally opposed same-sex marriage in the past.
Additionally, owner Chauncy Childs’ Facebook page linked to an article supporting a business owner’s right not to serve gay people. Those revelations would have raised concerns regardless. But coming as they did in a time before same-sex marriage was legal in Oregon—and when opponents were marshaling a measure to formally allow businesses to refuse service partly on the basis of sexual orientation—they sparked serious outcry.
Childs and her husband, John, swore the whole thing was a misunderstanding, made a “sizable donation” to a local advocacy group, and the furor settled itself.
And today? With same-sex couples getting married as they please and the business discrimination effort long-since dismantled? The Childs are proudly flying rainbow flags outside of their new business, which opened on January 10. Check it out, courtesy of reader Blake:
Either the couple has had a massive change of heart—since, you know, Chauncy Childs suggested, on the record with the Oregonian, same-sex marriage could start the slow slide toward pedophilia and bigamy—or this is straight-up disingenuous.
A call to John Childs hasn’t been returned.
Update, 2:45 pm:
Nope. No change of heart.
John Childs just called back. He says the flags are in front of his shop just to let everyone know they’re welcome. But he still doesn’t want gay people getting married.
“The rainbow flag, as far as I understand, represents diversity and tolerance and understanding,” Childs says. “We welcome all people, no matter their sexual orientation, color, race, et cetera.”
Then he adds: “We don’t believe in redefining marriage. That hasn’t changed.”
I was wrong, by the way. The Moreland Farmer’s Pantry opened in May—it’s just holding its “grand opening” right now.
“news”
“Commentary”
Opened in May. Grand opening 8 months later and a “we will take anyone’s money” flag suddenly displayed.
How’s biz, guys?
There’s never anyone in that store. Could’ve just as well put up a “free puppies” sign. Sad sad ploy.
I don’t care if they are using ordained pastafarians to marry gay drug addicts, a grocery store that closes at 7pm is useless. What is this 1890?
It’s a “grand re-opening” ….their second attempt to get people in there.
hehe, bullied into compliance with local taste. Noice!
It’s actually a “grand re-opening.” ….apparently the original ‘grand opening’ didn’t go so well and the place is always empty when I pass by.
It is important to note that a great deal of outrage in the community was over Chelsea Childs’ public statements that they believe homosexuality leads to bigamy and pedophilia. There are a lot of LGBTQ parents and people who love them in this neighborhood.
Do they really think that flying rainbow flags will increase their busines? The place is always empty for a reason. Gay or not I would not step a foot inside that store and I certainly would not give them my hard earned money.
Do they really think that flying rainbow flags will increase their busines? The place is always empty for a reason. Gay or not I would not step a foot inside that store and I certainly would not give them my hard earned money.
Do they really think that flying rainbow flags will increase their busines? The place is always empty for a reason. Gay or not I would not step a foot inside that store and I certainly would not give them my hard earned money.
Do they really think that flying rainbow flags will increase their busines? The place is always empty for a reason. Gay or not I would not step a foot inside that store and I certainly would not give them my hard earned money.
This store is ALWAYS empty. I will never shop there and apparently my neighbors feel the same. I have no ides how they are keeping the doors open.
I’m STILL not going to shop there.
I’m glad they welcome everyone, to spend their money. I won’t be shopping there till it changes owners.
This is very much news. My neighborhood is debating whether to shop there or not and I won’t because I won’t give my money to those who are biased.
As long as they don’t discriminate, they’re free to believe whatever they want. That being said, I’m also free to take my business somewhere else, which is what I intend to do.
someone should go in there and rip that rainbow flag DOWN! They dont deserve to fly it!
I’m just waiting for a fun open minded business person or better yet a gay couple to swoop in and buy them out (for a deal) then and only then will I and my Sellwood neighbors shop there.
Spending money there could start the slide to spending money on prostitutes and crack. I’m not willing to risk it.