The Right to Refuse: Alabama Printer Says No to LGBTQ Content

A student publication from the University of South Alabama is the latest salvo in the war on the liberal left’s double standard. The periodical, Due South, has been under the professional care of Interstate Printing since 2012, but that all came to a shocking, grinding, squelching halt as the school was delivered a resounding “No!” on their most recent “diversity” edition.

The files returned contained stories on topics such as body positivity, students with disabilities, religious beliefs – all generally inclusive as well as a demonstration of campus diversity. Oh, but what probably had the printers kicking the university out of their virtual store was the content on LGBTQ life and the drag queen scene in their college town of Mobile.

Interstate Printing spokeswoman Tracey Smith was not shy in her explanation for the refusal:

“After reviewing the subject matter of the 2019 Fall edition of Due South, we must respectfully decline to print this issue of the publication. As the magazine expresses freedom of lifestyles, we must express our freedom by declining to print on the principle that we are a Christian company that does not adhere to the content.”

Of course, Due South’s Editor-in-Chief Sara Boone was nigh apoplectic and stunned by Interstate Printing’s stance, nearly accusing the company of silencing a community voice. “This is more than having personal beliefs. This is actively discriminating against a group of people and trying to silence their stories.”

That is, of course, entirely wrong. The publication is sure to be welcomed and accepted by other printers in the area that may not care about telling stories from the LGBTQ community and what the Mobile drag queens have cooking this semester. Refusing to print what goes against the religious beliefs of the organization should be a treasured freedom in the United States of America.

Interstate Printing is crystal clear on the website that they are a traditional Christian values company and  “will serve the Lord God Almighty” in whatever ways they deem necessary. It does not say anything derogatory about any group or community.

Interstate Printing has been a valued vendor of the university for 40 years without incident. Boone was flabbergasted to have received the statement declining to print the Fall 2019 edition. “They just sent an email that said, 'the content did not adhere to their Christian values.’"

Fox News reached out to university officials and received this message in return, in which they appear to accept the printing company’s decision and plan to move forward without much ado:

“The University of South Alabama is committed to the principles of freedom of expression and the exchange of different points of view. We respect our students for having the courage of their convictions. At the same time, we also respect the rights of individuals and private businesses to make decisions that are consistent with their values. It is our hope that healthy and constructive dialogue can emerge from differing perspectives.”

If Due South is offended, then find another printer. If Interstate Printing cares not about losing business in order to adhere to a principle, that’s their problem. This is America. Cash is king in the free market, so let the chips fall where they may.  Righteous indignation is becoming the most annoying discourse in our society today.

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Read more from Sarah Cowgill.