Five different florists in Davis County all said they’d refuse to serve a gay ceremony.

CNN reporter Gary Tuchman said he’d visited all five florists and asked if they would provide flowers for a same-sex commitment ceremony – as marriage is not legal in Georgia. They all said they would not.

Jennifer Williams, an associate from one of the shops, said: “It doesn’t mean I love them any less. I pray for them.

“It’s not that I hate, I don’t hate them. You can love someone even though you don’t serve them.”

Melissa Jeffcoat of another shop said: “I would respectfully tell them I don’t wanna do it because of my beliefs. He died on the cross for me, so that’s the least I can do for him.”

Her son, who is training to be a pastor, added: “I serve a judge who’s higher than any Supreme Court judge, he’s called the judge of the universe and I don’t care what anybody else says.”

Mr Tuchman said three other shops made similar statements, but did not want to be named.

The controversial Religious Freedom Restoration Act has stalled in Georgia, however the state does not provide protections for LGBT people, so the florists would not face legal trouble if they refuses to serve a gay ceremony.

Last month, Elton John spoke out to condemn the proposals in Georgia.