For Jack Phillips … owner and baker at
Masterpiece Cakeshop in Lakewood, Colorado
… crafting a wedding cake (like serving as a bridesmaid or bridegroom)
constitutes participation in the marriage ceremony. That's why Jack is now facing jail time for
his refusal to bake a cake for homosexual couple … Charlie Craig and David
Mullins … and any other gay couples who may request one for their ceremony.
While confirming Jack's Christian
belief as “authentic,” administrative law judge, Robert Spencer, ruled earlier
this month that Phillips must bake cakes for gay marriage ceremonies when asked
to, from now on … or go to jail. “Phillips
believes that if he uses his artistic talents to participate in same-sex
weddings by creating a wedding cake,” acknowledged Judge Spencer, “he will be displeasing
God and acting contrary to the teachings of the Bible.” Phillips believes the Bible is the inspired
Word of God; its commands are binding on him. God's intention for marriage is the union of
one man and one woman. But then Spencer
stated that Phillips' position “fails to take into account the cost to society
and the hurt caused to persons who are denied service simply because of who
they are.”
Lead lawyer for Phillips … representing
him pro bono and part of the Alliance Defending Freedom team … is
Nicolle Martin, who noted that her client is determined to follow Jesus Christ “regardless
of the personal cost.” Martin said, “American
citizens should not have to live in fear of a prison sentence merely for
disagreeing with the government's opinion. All Americans should remain free to honor God
in our lives and in our work. The
government has no business threatening Americans with jail time for simply
exercising their constitutionally-protected freedoms of religion and speech. Every American, whatever you think about this
issue, should fear a government that ignores the 1st Amendment in order to
exercise this kind of power over its citizens.”
The case now goes to the Colorado
Court of Appeals.
Rev.
Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.
Chaplain
(Colonel-Ret), U.S. Army
Pastor,
Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel
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