Christian Baker Appeals ‘Re-Education’ Order
By Joseph DeCaro, Worthy News Correspondent
DENVER (Worthy News)– While the Colorado Civil Rights Commission compels the Christian owner of a bakery to make wedding cakes for gay couples, the baker is standing both his ground and the heat, refusing to leave the kitchen while inspiring other Christians worldwide, according to CBN News.
For two decades, Masterpiece Cakeshop’s Jack Phillips and his daughter Lisa have transformed baking into an art.
Phillips said he’s inspired and motivated by his faith in Jesus.
“It’s the most important thing that I think about throughout the day. When I wake up, when I go to work, I want to know that what I’m doing is pleasing to Him, that I honor Him and His Word because that’s the most important thing.”
But in 2012, two homosexuals sued Phillips after he declined to make a cake to celebrate their gay marriage. The commission ruled that Phillips’ refusal went against the state’s public accommodation law, which requires businesses to serve customers regardless of their sexual orientation.
“I’ve chosen not to make cakes for same-sex weddings,” said Phillips. “I told David and Charlie when they came in that I would sell them cookies and brownies and birthday cakes and shower cakes … So I did not discriminate against them, just that event I’ve chosen not to participate in.”
But the commission insisted that Phillips bake cakes for same-sex celebrations. He must also “re-educate” his staff about Colorado’s Anti-Discrimination Act and institute new policies to make the bakery more “gay friendly”.
His attorney, Nicolle Martin, said the CCR violated Phillips’ First Amendment rights and has taken his case to the Colorado Court of Appeals.
“Jack’s First Amendment rights, Jack’s freedom to express himself or more importantly, not express himself, must bow to the complainants’ message,” said Martin. “And all I can say is what that looks like to me is something very frightening, and that’s nothing more than diversity through conformity — and that’s not diversity at all.”