Human Rights Law

Supreme Court came to a unanimous ruling, declaring Ashers bakery’s refusal to make a cake with a slogan in support of same-sex marriage was not discriminatory. The dispute began in 2014, when the bakery refused to make a cake with the slogan “Support Gay Marriage.” Gareth Lee, the customer, and gay –rights activist, proceeded to sue the company on the grounds for discrimination, on the grounds of sexual orientation and sexual beliefs.
Ashers originally lost the case and subsequent appeal; however, the defendants firm won its appeal at the Supreme Court. The four-and-a-half year legal dispute, costing nearly £500,000, raises questions surrounding equality and freedom of conscience. The appellant argues the case to have made him feel like a second-class citizen, making him concerned with “the implications for all of the gay community. “General Manager of Ashers Bakery adds, "I know a lot of people will be glad to hear this ruling today, because this ruling protects freedom of speech and freedom of conscience for everyone."
The Northern Equality Commission for Northern Ireland, being in support of Gareth Lee, has made claims to study the implications of the judgement; due to the concern with the judgements application of equality law in the commercial sphere.
President of the Supreme Court, Lady Hale, has ruled the Bakery to have not refused the making of the cake on the basis of sexual orientation. But, in fact, their “objection was to the message on the cake;” adding, "accordingly, this court holds that there was no discrimination on the ground of the sexual orientation of Mr Lee."