Christian bakers found to have discriminated against a gay man by
refusing to make a cake bearing a pro-gay marriage slogan have lost their appeal
against the ruling.
The owners of Belfast-based Ashers declined an order placed by gay
activist Gareth Lee, claiming the message was inconsistent with their deeply
held religious beliefs.
Gareth, a member of the LGBT advocacy group Queer Space, had wanted a
cake featuring Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie with the phrase "Support Gay
Marriage" for a private function marking International Day Against
Homophobia.
He paid the £36.50 cost of the cake, but was telephoned two days later
and told the company could not fulfil his order.
Throughout the legal proceedings, Daniel McArthur, the company's general
manager, insisted Gareth's sexuality was never an issue, rather the message he
wanted the bakery to create.
Gareth claimed the episode left him feeling like a lesser person. His
case was taken in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Equality Commission.
Huff Post.
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