

GRANDVILLE, MI - A day after posting online that he wouldn't hesitate to refuse to do business with openly gay customers, the owner of a Grandville auto repair shop is under fire on social media.

Brian Klawiter, who runs DieselTec, 2875 Ottawa Ave. SW, posted on Facebook Thursday morning that his family had received death threats and that others had threatened to burn down his business and home.

"Listen up folks, If you have an opposing view to mine that IS OK, what is NOT OK is threats to kill me, my family, and friends; threats to burn down my shop and my home. I will stand firm on my views and will not back down, however, because of the ridiculous backlash I am requesting any supporters of ours that would be willing to stand with us to help secure my home and business."

RELATED: Auto shop owner on Facebook: He'll refuse service to openly gay people



Numerous Facebook users have bashed Klawiter online since he first posted his message about openly gay customers. One Newaygo woman even stopped by his shop Thursday morning to briefly protest Klawiter's remarks.

Others, though, have taken to his defense, with one person saying, "Freedom of speech is still in our constitutional rights!!"

RELATED: Auto shop owner doesn't regret anti-gay Facebook post: 'I had no idea my voice was so powerful'

Klawiter declined to comment Thursday morning at his shop. He looked frazzled, and seemed surprised his Facebook comments had received so much attention.

He claimed he has become the victim in this controversy.

Brian McVicar covers education for MLive and The Grand Rapids Press. Email him at bmcvicar@mlive.com or follow him on Twitter