08 June 2018

SC Rules 7-2 In Favor of the Baker

Seven-Two
After the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of a Colorado baker who refused to bake a wedding cake for a gay couple, there was a thunderous celebration from all corners of the United States.

The evangelical community declared the 7-2 decision a win for religious freedom, while their supporters hailed the decision as the start of a new beginning.

Christian evangelist Franklin Graham celebrated the decision on Twitter, calling it a "huge win for religious freedom!"

The opinion, by Justice Anthony Kennedy, said that the Colorado Civil Rights Commission showed hostility toward religion in finding that the baker, Jack Phillips, violated the state’s anti-discrimination laws. Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg dissented.

The case did not resolve whether exceptions for religious views are permissible in state anti-discrimination laws.

Texas Sen. Ted Cruz also applauded the verdict on Twitter, saying the court upheld the baker's "right to live according to his faith."

Attorney General Jeff Sessions released a statement agreeing with the Supreme Court's decision.

"In this case and others, the Department of Justice will continue to vigorously defend the free speech and religious freedom First Amendment rights of all Americans," he said.