N.Ireland attorney general supports bakers who refused to make 'Support Gay Marriage' cake
The attorney general of Northern Ireland voiced his opinion on the case regarding bakers who were fined for refusing to create a cake with the phrase "support gay marriage" in 2014.
Speaking before the court on Tuesday, May 10, John Larkin said there was a difference between refusing a customer because he was gay and refusing a customer's order because it would force the bakers to write something that was against their convictions.
Larkin said if the former was true, he would not speak in favor of Ashers Baking Company. However, he said "it's not about that."
"It's about expression and whether it's lawful under Northern Ireland constitutional law for Ashers to be forced ... to articulate or express or say a political message which is at variance with their political views, and in particular, their religious views," the attorney general said.
Ashers Baking Company was fined $800 by the Equality Commission for refusing to bake the gay marriage cake. The fine was imposed in response to a complaint filed by Gareth Lee, who had asked the bakery to make a customized cake with the words "support gay marriage."
The manager's mother, Karen McArthur, initially accepted Lee's order, not wanting to make him feel embarassed. However, after discussions with other family members, the owners decided not to make the cake because it contradicted their beliefs. They informed Lee about their decision and offered a refund.
A judge declared the bakery owners "guilty of unlawful discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation." Judge Isobel Brownlie said the McArthurs, who own the bakery, do not represent a religious organization. Instead, they operate a business for profit and therefore should not have refused Lee's order.
However, the McArthurs filed an appeal.
The attorney general said that in this case, the McArthurs are the ones being discriminated against because of their faith, not Lee.
"It is clear the county court judge has given a greater legal value to the right to express a view supportive of gay marriage than the defendant's wish not to be compelled to express that sentiment," Larkin stated.
