Masterpiece Cakeshop Refused to Serve Couple Wishing to Celebrate Their Marriage
May 29, 2014
DENVER – The Colorado Civil Rights Commission will hold a public hearing Friday, May 30 to determine if a Lakewood bakery unlawfully discriminated against a gay couple by refusing to sell them a cake for their wedding reception.
David Mullins and Charlie Craig visited Masterpiece Cakeshop in 2012, with Craig’s mother, to order a wedding cake. Mullins and Craig planned to marry in Massachusetts and then celebrate with family and friends back home in Colorado. Masterpiece owner Jack Phillips informed the couple that, because of his religious beliefs, it was his standard business practice to refuse to provide cakes to customers for same-sex weddings. Mr. Phillips has turned away several other couples for the same reason.
Long-standing Colorado state law prohibits public accommodations, including businesses such as Masterpiece Cakeshop, from refusing service based on factors such as race, sex, age or sexual orientation. Last year, an administrative judge ruled that that the bakery had illegally discriminated against the couple. Masterpiece Cakeshop appealed that decision. Tomorrow, the full Civil Rights Commission is expected to rule on the appeal.
WHEN: Friday, May 30 10:00 a.m. MT
WHERE: Colorado State Capitol 2nd Floor, Supreme Court Chambers 200 E. Colfax Avenue, Denver
WHO: Mark Silverstein, legal director, ACLU of Colorado David Mullins and Charlie Craig, clients
