Answer:
Case Summary and Outcome
The Supreme Court of the United States of America set aside an order of the Colorado Civil Rights Commission that a baker could not refuse to sell a wedding cake to a same-sex couple. The case concerned a couple, Mr. Craig and Mr. Mullins, who were refused a wedding cake by a baker, Mr. Phillips, on the basis that same-sex marriage conflicted with Mr. Phillips’ religious views. Mr. Craig and Mr. Mullins filed a complaint with the Colorado Civil Rights Commission on the basis that Mr. Phillips’ refusal to create the cake was a violation of anti-discrimination law. The claim was upheld by the Commission and, subsequently, the Colorado Court of Appeals, both of which rejected Mr. Phillips’ argument that being compelled to create the cake would violate his First Amendment rights to free speech and free exercise of religion. The case was appealed by Mr. Phillips, and his cake shop, to the Supreme Court, which found in his favor. The Supreme Court concluded that the Colorado Civil Rights Commission had reached its decision in a manner incompatible with its obligation to apply laws with neutrality toward religion. In his concurring opinion, Justice Thomas concluded that the Commission’s decision also interfered with Mr. Phillips’ protected speech.
