Virginia restaurant cancels reservation of anti-LGBTQ+ organization

A Virginia restaurant canceled a reservation for an event hosted by a conservative organization, citing the non-profit’s condemnation of same-sex marriage and abortion rights.

Metzger Bar and Butchery, a German-inspired eatery in Richmond, canceled the booking made by the Family Foundation.

The anti-LGBTQ+ group had planned to use the restaurant for a dessert reception, the Washington Post reported.

Metzger announced its decision last Friday, writing in an Instagram post that the Family Foundation “seeks to deprive women and LGBTQ+ persons of their basic human rights in Virginia”.

The restaurant said it had “always refused service to anyone for making our staff uncomfortable or unsafe and this is the driving force behind our decision.

“Many of our staff are women and/or members of the LGBTQ+ community. All our staff are people with rights who deserve dignity and a safe work environment.”

Metzger is co-owned by Brittanny Anderson, who has appeared on cooking competition shows like Top Chef and Chopped.

The Family Foundation accused the restaurant of canceling the reservation an hour before the event because of their political beliefs.

In a blogpost titled “We’ve Been Canceled! Again”, the group’s president, Victoria Cobb, compared the refusal to accommodate the event to businesses refusing to serve Black customers decades ago.

“Welcome to the 21st century, where people who likely consider themselves ‘progressives’ attempt to recreate an environment from the 1950s and early 60s, when people were denied food service due to their race,” Cobb wrote.

Responses to the restaurant’s decision were mostly positive, commenters sharing their support, the Charlotte Observer reported.

“I’m proud of your decision. Can’t wait for my next opportunity to dine with you,” wrote one social media user.

“Bravo,” wrote another.