Bakeries Cannot Refuse Service to Same-Sex Couples

The Colorado Court of Appeals has spoken: Bakeries cannot cite religious beliefs to refuse service to same-sex couples. The Court's decision was released  today, the Denver Post reported.

In 2012, Masterpiece Cakeshop owner Jake Phillips declined to make a wedding cake for a gay couple because, he said, it would be against his Christian beliefs. The couple, Charlie Craig and David Mullins, pursued legal action against the 22 year old Lakewood cake-shop. The Colorado's Civil Rights Commission ruled that Phillips discriminated against the couple and ordered him that the policy be changed or face fines.

After today's legal defeat, lawyers for Phillips said they may pursue to case to the United States Supreme Court. In the meantime, Masterpiece Bakeshop faces fines once again if it continues to refuse making cakes on the basis of sexual orientation.