Court rules in favour of baker who refused to make a cake for a lesbian couple
A Californian court has ruled in favour of the baker who refused to make a lesbian wedding cake on the grounds of religious freedom.
Tastries Bakery owner Cathy Miller announced she had finally won her lengthy legal battle.
Back in 2017, Eileen and Mireya Rodriguez-Del Rio asked Miller to bake their wedding cake; however, the Californian baker refused and cited her religious beliefs, according to the Daily Mail.
Miller instead suggested alternative bakeries in the area to the couple.
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According to CTV News, the state Department of Fair Housing and Employment sued the bakery in Bakersfield, alleging that Miller had discriminated against the couple under California's Unruh Civil Rights Act.
However, Miller’s lawyers argued that she simply exercised her free speech and freedom of expression of religion, as she believes marriage is between ‘a man and a woman’.
In his ruling, Judge Bradshaw said that Miller had not discriminated against the couple as the cake had not yet been prepared.
He said it would be considered discriminatory if the cake was already on display and Miller refused to sell it to the couple.
He wrote: “Miller's only motivation, at all times, was to act consistent with her sincere Christian beliefs about what the Bible teaches regarding marriage.”
He continued: “That motivation was not unreasonable, or arbitrary, nor did it emphasize irrelevant differences or perpetuate stereotypes.”
Miller was ecstatic about the ruling and says it's a welcome result after half a decade of fighting.
She wrote to Facebook: “Thank you Tastries friends and family for your support and encouragement over the last 5 years!!
"Yesterday, after much consideration and analysis of details regarding the Cathy’s Creations and Tastries Bakery discrimination case, Judge Eric Bradshaw ruled in favor of Cathy Miller.
“We appreciate your prayers and support as we joyfully continue to do business with you in the future. Below is a link to the judges ruling with additional details if you would like to look at the decision.”
According to the Daily Mail, she added: "I'm hoping that in our community we can grow together...and we should understand that we shouldn't push any agenda against anyone else."
Following Judge Bradshaw’s decision, a cheerful Miller told the Bakersfield Californian: "I'm hoping that in our community we can grow together and we should understand that we shouldn't push any agenda against anyone else."
However, Eileen and Mireya confirmed to CTV News they would request an appeal.
"Of course we're disappointed, but not surprised. We anticipate that our appeal will have a different result,” Eileen explained.
Charisa Bossinakis