The Indiana pizzeria that was the center of a national debate over “religious freedom” vs. equality, has reopened after closing for a week.
For Crystal O’Connor and her father Kevin O’Connor, it’s been a tumultuous week. After telling reporters they couldn’t cater a same-sex wedding if they were asked, and adding they support Gov. Pence’s discriminatory law, they closed their pizza shop amid what they say were death threats and harassment.Â
They were the beneficiaries of a nearly $850,000 fundraising campaign, did the conservative talk show circuit, and now, after a little more than a week in the spotlight, they’re going back to work.
The O’Connors reopened Memories Pizza Thursday afternoon. Within an hour they had a full house and a line for take-out, the Indy Star reports. There were no protests.
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“It’s a relief to get going again and try to get back to normal,” Kevin O’Connor told the AP. He says he has no intention of taking the proceeds of the donations and retiring.Â
“I enjoy it. I don’t want to leave here,” he said. “I want this to be something that my daughter can enjoy.”
And he says he’s glad the family stuck to their religious beliefs.
“I’d do the same thing again. It’s my belief. It’s our belief. It’s what we grew up on,” O’Connor said. “I’m just sorry it comes to this because neither one of us dislike any of those people. I don’t hold any grudges.”
The family announced yesterday what they will do with the money, once they receive it.
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Related:
After Anti-Gay Activists Donate $842,387 To Pizzeria, Three LGBT Youth Orgs Ask For Help
Fundraiser For Indiana Pizza Shop Owners Abruptly Ends After Reaching Nearly $850,000
‘God Has Blessed Us For Standing Up’: Indiana Pizza Shop Gets $500,000 In Donations (Video)
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