Justices side with Colorado baker in limited decision
OKLAHOMA CITY – Attorney General Mike Hunter today commended the U.S. Supreme Court for ruling in favor of a Colorado baker, who was punished for refusing to make a wedding cake for a same sex couple because of his religious belief that marriage is the union of one man and one woman.
In a limited ruling, the Justices voted 7-2 that the Colorado Civil Rights Commission displayed religious hostility and violated the First Amendment rights of Jack Phillips, the owner of the bakery.
The Supreme Court condemned the Colorado officials who sanctioned Phillips. These officials had ruled against the cake baker, stating his views were “despicable” and comparing them to the Holocaust and slavery. They had also treated Phillips differently than other bakers who refused to make cakes with the opposite message. The Court ruled that Phillips, like all citizens, are entitled to “neutral and respectful consideration” of their religious claims.
Last September, Attorney General Hunter was part of a 20-state coalition of attorneys general who filed a brief with the Supreme Court in support of Phillips. Read the brief, here: https://bit.ly/2gOyZSa.
“Today’s decision by the U.S. Supreme Court is a victory for religious freedom and vindicates Jack Phillips, who was unfairly discriminated against for his beliefs,” Attorney General Hunter said. “Few constitutional rights are as important to Oklahomans as the freedom of religious expression. I am dedicated to supporting the First Amendment and will continue to do everything I can to ensure religious liberties continue to be protected in similar cases moving forward.”
Read more on how Attorney General Hunter has supported First Amendment rights in similar cases and is protecting the rights of people of faith, here: Arlene's Flowers | Telescope Media | Hands on Originals .
Read the Supreme Court decision, here: https://bit.ly/2HladRd.