Business owners have the right to decide with whom they want to do
business, correct? Not in the case of the Denver baker who refused to
bake a wedding cake for a gay couple.
Related Stories
Colorado baker discriminated by denying gay couple wedding cake: judge Reuters
Judge hears arguments on Utah's gay marriage ban Associated Press
Joyous same-sex couples wed in Hawaii as gay marriage becomes legal Reuters
2013: A Landmark Year For Gay Rights Year in Review
Christians who denied gay couple hotel room lose UK court case Reuters
On
Friday, Denver administrative law judge Robert Spencer told Jack
Phillips, the owner of Masterpiece Cakeshop, that he discriminated
against Charlie Craig and David Mullins, a legally married couple from
Massachusetts, when he told them in 2012 he wouldn’t bake them a wedding
cake, because doing so would violate his Christian belief that
homosexuality is a sin.
The judge didn’t assign any damages, but
told Phillips he cannot refuse gay couples in the future. Phillips has
said he’d rather close his shop than bake cakes for gay marriages.
"I
am a follower of Jesus Christ," Phillips said in July. "So you could
say it’s a religious belief. I believe the Bible teaches [same-sex
marriage is] not an OK thing."
RECOMMENDED: Gay marriage battlegrounds: 9 states to watch
The
growing legal acceptance of gay marriages across the country suggests
that marriage equality is becoming established under the law, but the
extent to which Christian businesses have to abide by such marriages is
still being tested across the country.
Indeed, the ruling is at
the vanguard of a Constitutional dilemma. To wit: in cases where
personal and religious values and beliefs are in play, where does the
freedom to practice religion end and equal treatment under the law
begin?
Lawyers have also argued that, at least in the case of
baking cakes, the First Amendment also comes into play, raising the
question of whether an artist or craftsman can be compelled by the
government to create objects against his or her wishes.
In just
the past few years, a Mennonite bistro in Iowa, a Kentucky art gallery,
and a New Mexico photography shop have faced civil and legal complaints
from gays who say their rights were violated when the business owners
refused to serve them.
Business owners, for their part, continue
to argue that the government can’t compel Christians to “express ideas
and messages they decline to support,” according to Jordan Lorence, a
senior counsel with the Alliance Defending Freedom, who added in an
interview with The New American that “America was founded on the
fundamental freedom of every citizen to live and work according to their
beliefs.”
So far, civil rights agencies and courts have issued
similar rulings to the one in Denver on Friday. Earlier this year, the
New Mexico Supreme Court weighed in on a seven-year-old case where a
lesbian couple argued that Elaine and Jonathan Huguenin, both
Christians, discriminated against them when they refused to take
pictures at their same-sex ceremony.
The Supreme Court agreed
with the lesbians, writing that “a commercial photography business that
offers its services to the public, thereby increasing its visibility to
potential clients, is subject to the anti-discrimination provisions of
the [New Mexico Human Rights Act] and must serve same-sex couples on the
same basis that it serves opposite-sex couples.”
The legal
battle has also drawn comparisons to civil rights struggles by blacks,
where some arbitrators have concluded that refusing to serve gay couples
is the same as lunch counters refusing to serve blacks in the Jim Crow
era.
"Being denied service by Masterpiece Cakeshop was offensive
and dehumanizing especially in the midst of arranging what should be a
joyful family celebration,” Mr. Mullins said on Denver’s KDVR TV Friday.
"We are grateful to have the support of our community and our state,
and we hope that today’s decision will help ensure that no one else will
experience this kind of discrimination again in Colorado."
Check Price Motorola MT352R FRS Weatherproof Two Way 35 Mile Radio Pack Silver
Reviews HONDA ACCORD HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY LEFT (DRIVER SIDE) (WITH CORNER) 1992 1993
Where to buy SiriusXM Satellite Radio SSV7V1 Stratus 7 Satellite Radio Black
Where to buy Walker 250 24049 4 Wire Oxygen Sensor
Where to buy Gates 43544 Water Pump
Reviews Mobil 1 96989 0W 40 Synthetic Motor Oil 1 Quart Bottle (Pack of 6)
Reviews New Turn Signal Switch Lever with Cruise Aftermarket
How to buy Glacier 1046 Passenger Cable Tire Chain Set of 2
Online New Pair Set Park Signal Marker Light Lamp Housing SAE DOT
Online RAM Mount Universal X Grip Holder Twist Lock Suction Cup Mount
Where to buy 5' x 7' Clear Vinyl Tarp 20 MIL
Reviews HID Xenon Dc Headlight "Slim" Conversion Kit By Sdx, H10, 4300k
Find QP F7313 a Ford Escape Passenger Tail Light Lens & Housing
Reviews
Airtex E8263 Electric Fuel Pump for Outboard Marine and Volvo
MarineB008YFTGFI, HID Xenon Dc Headlight "Slim" Conversion Kit By Sdx,
9007 Single beam, 8000k
How to buy Wagner ThermoQuiet QC1521 Ceramic Disc Pad Set With Installation Hardware, Front
Find Mazda Miata POWER BLEEDER Adapter (MP 1111)
Online Ram Mount Tab Tite Ipad/Hp Holder Handlebar Rail Mount
Check Price ACDelco 11M77 Professional Front Side Door Window Regulator Motor Kit
Online Dorman 924 106 Door Hinge Assembly
Online 2) NEW BOSS SKULL SK693 6x9" 600W 3 Way Coaxial Car Speakers Stereo Audio
Check Price Purple 30in X 22.6in Tinkerbell blowing a kiss Cartoons Car Window Wall Laptop Decal Sticker
How to buy Rugged Ridge 18475.03 ORV Steering Stabilizer for 07 Up Wrangler JK 2 Door and 4 Door
Find Cyber US 12, US 94 Helmet Faceshield Silver
Online Dash Designs D2419 0VGY Grey Plush Velour Dash Cover
Find Ilium Works BMW R1200RT Motorcycle Sidestand Footplate Enlarger 10 400
Reviews Icon Ladies Sub Stealth Motorcycle Gloves Stealth Large
Check Price BiLT Air Pro Mesh Motorcycle Gloves XL, Black
How to buy TYC 19 5334 00 Chevrolet/GMC Driver Side Replacement Fog Light
Reviews 2009 2010 Dodge Ram 1500/2011 2012 Ram 1500 Bumper Billet Grille Grill Insert # D66725A
Reviews Classic Accessories 80 079 Grey Vinyl Windshield Cover
Find Explorer Pro Comp 932008 Es9000 Shock
Check Price 94 01 Acura Integra Coupe Black K6 Side Power Mirrors with LED Blue/Yellow Signal
Reviews Motorcraft DY731 Oxygen Sensor
How to buy VDO WR51138 BMW X5 Rear Window Regulator
Check Price ACDelco 17D1156CH Professional Durastop Front Ceramic Disc Brake Pad Set
Check Price Hipro Power H13 (9008) 12000K Single Beam HID Xenon Conversion KitB000C9JPO6, ACDelco 213 1568 Heated Oxygen Sensor
Where to buy Ready Aire / Vista Pro 0399105 Heater Core
Check Price Cadillac CTS Window Regulator without Motor Front Passenger Side
Check Price TYC 20 3595 00 Ford/Mercury Passenger Side Headlight Assembly
Where to buy Window Tint Kit Ford Mustang 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 20% All Windows
Check Price Dodge NITRO 2007 2011 Molded FRONT Splash Guards Mopar OEM
Online OES Genuine Alternator Pulley for select BMW models
Check Price ACDelco TC177 Professional Inline To Trailer Harness Connector
Check Price Saddleman 0225203 Saddl Blkt Full Pu Blu Ea
Reviews Riverside Cartop Carriers Universal Canoe Kit
Online Spectra Premium ST153 Fuel Tank Straps
Reviews Moody Tools 58 0380 9 Piece Interchangeable ESD Safe Star Driver Set
Check Price Samlex Solar Charge Controller 12V/24V, 8 Amps, with LVD Display
Where to buy Window Tint Kit Mazda Protege 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 20% All Windows
Where to buy TPO Parts Rear Axle Nut Socket for Ducati 55mm
Where to buy Enkidu Rear Wheel Hub Bearing Assembly New 512002
Where to buy HELLA 007118051 '7118' Series 12V DC Halogen Deck Light with Structured Lens and Off White Housing
Find Fox Racing T Rex Jeans 2011 36/Worn Wash
How to buy Beck Arnley 038 0226 Timing Cover Gasket Set
Online Pro Smoke Tint Tinted Gloss Vinyl Film Cover Wrap Sheet 96" x 12" Orange Smoke
Where to buy Bendix PRT5365 Brake Rotor
Find 94 01 Acura Integra Coupe Black K6 Side Power Mirrors with LED Blue/Yellow SignalB009ZGIIMM, Ez Leaf Hauler
Where to buy Standard Motor Products RU 367 Hvac Blower Motors
Online ACDelco 213 1568 Heated Oxygen Sensor
Where to buy JEGS Performance Products 41016 Fuel Pressure Gauge Kit
Check Price Wagner ThermoQuiet MX731 Semi Metallic Disc Pad Set, Front
How to buy Universal Car Seat Cover PU Leather Front & Rear & Steering Wheel Set Red / Black SC 165RD
Check Price Arrowhead Stator Coil ASU4000
Check Price Bosch 42011152 QuietCast Premium Disc Brake Rotor
How to buy Anchor 9529 Engine Mount
Online Dorman 699 205 Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor
Where to buy Dash Kit Decal Trim Nissan 300ZX 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 Black (Gloss)
How to buy Qty (2) Suzuki XL7 2007 2008 2009 Liftgate Lift Supports, Struts Strong Arm 6174
Check Price 1994 1996 Corvette Front Power Coupler
Where to buy New Passengers Headlight Headlamp Lens Housing w/Black Bezel SAE DOT
Check Price TYC 18 1923 00 Nissan Maxima Front Driver Side Replacement Corner/Side Marker Lamp Assembly
Reviews Dodge Ram Chrome Door Handles Tailgate Covers 2002 2008 pass. side without keyhole
How to buy 2 Magnefine 3/8" Inline Filters
Reviews CIPA 27376 Chevrolet/GMC OE Style Manual Replacement Driver Side Mirror
Where to buy Bosch BC1089 QuietCast Brake Pad Set
Where to buy EVS Shoulder Brace
Where to buy ACDelco 17D369MX Disc Brake Pad
Online
BMW FRONT Gray X5 E53 All Season Floor Mats 2001 2006 Genuine
Factory OEM 82550151487 (set of 2 front mats)B007TY1YT6, New Passengers
Park Signal Marker Light Chrome SAE DOT
How to buy Rampage 5057821 Custom Fit Polycanvas Seat Cover
Where to buy 27" Honda CR V Spare Tire Cover
How to buy K&N 33 2991 High Performance Replacement Air Filter
Online Polaris Sportsman 500 800 ATV Covers Camo
How to buy GY6 49cc 50cc Chinese Scooter Triple Tree Front End Steering Fork Stem TC05
Reviews Fox Racing Essex Pinstripe Walkshorts 42/Black Pinstripe
Find Rugged Ridge 18273.01 Control Arm Axle Mount
Find Genuine Jeep Accessories 82210883AB Cloth Spare Tire Cover with Adventure Begins Here Logo
How to buy SpareCover® Brawny Series Girly Skull 30 Tire Cover
How to buy Alpine SPS406 / SPS 406 / SPS 406 4x6 Coaxial 2 Way Speaker Set
Reviews Denso 234 4216 Oxygen Sensor
How to buy Rampage 1203 Grey 4 Layer 2 Door JK Wranglers Full Car Cover
Reviews German Motorcycle half Helmet Novelty spikes 118 Flat Bk
How to buy Autel AutoLink AL319 OBD II/EOBD Code Reader Model# AL319
How to buy Fit System 72514V Driver Side Replacement OE Style Manual Remote Folding Mirror
Find Cobra Electronics CXT545 28 Mile Range Walkie Talkie
Online OEM MS18 Map Sensor
How to buy HELLA H12300021 220 Driving Lamp
How to buy Polk Audio db840 8 Inch Single Voice Coil Subwoofer (Single, Black)
Find Core Vintage Open Face Helmet (Gloss Black, Medium)
Check Price Dash Designs D1090 1VMO Mocha Plush Velour Dash Cover
Reviews Auto Ventshade 94005 Ventvisor Smoke Deflector 4 Piece
ไม่มีความคิดเห็น:
แสดงความคิดเห็น