BELFAST, Ireland — Daniel and Amy McArthur, owners of Ashers Bakery in Belfast, Ireland, lost their court appeal Oct. 24 after a three-judge panel ruled that the couple was guilty of discrimination after refusing to bake a pro-gay “marriage” cake in 2014.
Despite the family’s religious beliefs, according to the court, businesses are not allowed to refuse services they willingly offer to the public when certain messages contradict their deeply held convictions, The Christian Post reported.
The court’s ruling stated the “supplier may provide the particular service to all or to none but not to a selection of customers based on prohibited grounds. … What they may not do is provide a service that only reflects their own religious message in relation to sexual orientation.”
The cake order in question was made by gay activist Gareth Lee. Lee wanted a cake featuring Sesame Street characters Bert and Ernie with the slogan “Support Gay Marriage” on the top.
After being fined $600 from a ruling in Belfast County Court, the McArthurs filed an appeal in May 2016.
After losing the appeal, Daniel McArthur said the law “needs to change” if it leads to punishment of those who politely refuse to support political causes that a person or company doesn’t agree with, according to The Post.
“The ruling undermines democratic freedom, undermines religious freedom and undermines freedom of speech,” he said. (TAB)
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