Christian baker Jack Phillips readies for Supreme Court return after declining transgender cake order.
Christian Baker Jack Phillips Prepares for Return to Supreme Court After Refusing to Make a Transgender Cake
A Christian baker in Colorado is gearing up for another battle at the Supreme Court after being sued for declining to create a gender-transition birthday cake, according to the Daily Caller News Foundation.
“The government was trying to punish me because my views were different than what was the preferred message of the day,” Phillips said. “So my views are deeply held, and the Constitution protects those.”
“This is not just about making cakes, it’s about every American’s right to be able to live according to their conscience,” he added.
Jack Phillips, who previously won a lawsuit at the Supreme Court in 2018 for refusing to make a cake for a gay wedding, is now facing a new lawsuit from transgender lawyer Autumn Scardina. Scardina requested a cake with blue frosting on the outside and pink frosting on the inside to represent a gender transition.
The Colorado Supreme Court has announced that it will hear the case, and Phillips hopes that a victory can be secured for all artists if it reaches the Supreme Court again.
Standing Firm on Beliefs
Phillips has been involved in legal battles since 2012 when he declined to make a cake for a homosexual couple’s wedding. He was sued and lost, but he filed his own lawsuit against the Colorado Civil Rights Commission, arguing that his freedom of speech was being censored.
When Phillips received the request for the gender transition cake, he felt conflicted due to his Christian beliefs. He explained, “We will gladly create this cake for you for another event, or any other custom cake that we would do for anybody else, or sell you anything in our shop, but we can’t create this one because of the message it expresses.”
Phillips’ attorney, Jake Warner, hopes that the Colorado Supreme Court rules in their favor, eliminating the need for another appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. However, if the state rules against them, they will continue to fight for justice.
Protecting Freedom of Speech
Warner emphasized that the issue at hand is whether the government can compel an artist to express speech that goes against their beliefs. He cited a recent Supreme Court ruling that protected a Christian web designer’s right to refuse creating wedding websites for same-sex couples.
Phillips acknowledged that his business has been affected by the ongoing litigation but remains determined to protect the rights of all Americans to live and work according to their conscience.
“If we win, every creative artist in Colorado, and then hopefully for every American, will be able to live and work freely… when they make decisions about what messages they will create or messages they will decline,” Phillips stated.
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What are the arguments for and against the right of business owners to refuse service based on their religious beliefs?
E because it goes against our beliefs.”
Phillips’ case raises important questions about freedom of speech, freedom of expression, and the right to live according to one’s conscience. While some argue that as a business owner, Phillips should provide services to all customers, regardless of their beliefs or values, others believe that he has the right to refuse certain requests that conflict with his deeply held religious convictions.
The Supreme Court previously ruled in favor of Phillips in the 2018 case, Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission, stating that the Commission had displayed religious hostility towards Phillips. However, the court did not issue a broader ruling on whether business owners have the right to refuse service based on their religious beliefs. This new case presents an opportunity for the Supreme Court to provide more clarity on this issue.
Protecting Individual Liberties
Phillips’ case highlights the tension between protecting individual liberties, such as freedom of speech and freedom of religion, and preventing discrimination against marginalized groups. Society has made significant progress in recognizing and protecting the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, but it is essential to also respect the rights of individuals who hold different beliefs.
The Constitution of the United States guarantees the right to freedom of religion and the right to express oneself. These rights should be upheld, even when they clash with popular opinion or prevailing social norms. As Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote in the previous Supreme Court ruling, “It must be emphasized that religions, and those who adhere to religious doctrines, may continue to advocate with utmost, sincere conviction that, by divine precepts, same-sex marriage should not be condoned.”
It is crucial to strike a balance between protecting individual liberties and preventing discrimination. While no one should be denied basic services or equal treatment based on their gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic, business owners should also not be forced to participate in events or create products that go against their deeply held beliefs.
A Victory for Individual Freedom
Jack Phillips’ upcoming battle in the Supreme Court has far-reaching implications for the rights of artists, business owners, and individuals seeking to live according to their conscience. A favorable ruling would not only protect Phillips’ freedom of speech and freedom of religion but would also establish an important precedent for others facing similar circumstances.
Ultimately, it is imperative to respect and protect everyone’s rights, regardless of their beliefs or identities. Both religious freedom and LGBTQ+ rights can coexist, and it is possible to find a middle ground that upholds individual liberties without compromising the rights of others.
As the case progresses, it is crucial to remember the principles and values upon which America was founded: freedom, justice, and equality for all. The Supreme Court’s decision in this case will not only impact Jack Phillips and Autumn Scardina but will also shape the future of religious freedom and LGBTQ+ rights in the United States.
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