Legal proceedings against a bakery in Northern Ireland for refusing to take an order for a cake with the slogan “support gay marriage” got underway yesterday
Legal proceedings against a bakery in Northern Ireland for refusing to take an order for a cake with the slogan “support gay marriage” began yesterday, reports RTE.
Based in Newtownabbey, Ashers Baking Company is named after a verse from the Bible which refers to "Bread from Asher.”
Customer and gay rights activist Gareth Lee is supported in his action by the Northern Ireland's Equality Commission (NIEC).
Opening the case against Ashers, Robin Allen QC said the baker's objections on religious grounds was not lawful and as unjustifiable as a postman declining to post a letter.
Noting the publicity surrounding the case, Allen said that “law must not be determined by those who shout loudest,” adding “this is a case about commerce and discrimination.”
The NIEC alleges that the stance of the company was in breach of legislation. Initially, the commission asked Ashers to acknowledge that it had breached legislation and offer "modest" damages to Lee. However, when the baker refused, the commission proceeded with the legal action.
Arriving at court ahead of the hearing, Ashers owner Daniel McArthur said he was putting his trust in God.
The hearing is expected to conclude today.
I feel the need to throw baking ingredients at Ashers, Who are you to judge. #AshersBakery #EqualityForAll #noconscienceclause
— Lizzie Lynas (@lillybif) March 27, 2015
Watch a Christian Institute interview with McArthur, AFTER THE JUMP…
Earlier this week, the government in the Republic of Ireland indicated there will be no "right to discriminate" provision in the upcoming referendum on same-sex marriage.
