The Supreme Court will hear the case today of the Colorado Christian baker who refused to make a cake for a same-sex wedding.
Oral arguments will start today in the controversial case.
The ruling is expected to set a precedent for whether the government can require businesses, organizations and individuals to act in spite of their religious beliefs.
In 2012, Masterpiece Cakeshop owner Jack Phillips refused to make a same-sex wedding cake for a couple, violating Colorado’s antidiscrimination law.
A state appeals court denied his free speech claim and the Supreme Court agreed to hear the case.
Supporters of the Christian baker say with Neil Gorsuch now on the court, ““there is some reason for optimism that the Court might narrowly find for Masterpiece Cakeshop,” Christian historian Thomas Kidd recently wrote for The Gospel Coalition. “If they do not, it will be a devastating blow to a number of Christian business people who have been disciplined under similar circumstances.
“A decision against Masterpiece Cakeshop would also raise more questions, such as whether a state can force Christian adoption agencies to place children with same-sex couples.”
According to a Pew Research Center survey, 49 percent of American believe that wedding vendors should be required to serve same-sex couples. In comparison, 48 percent said those vendors should be able to refuse services based on religious beliefs.
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Publication date: December 5, 2017
