Methodist Church in Ireland ‘concerned’ by legal action against bakery that refused to bake ‘gay’ cake
The Methodist Church in Ireland has released a statement saying a bakery that refused to bake a ‘gay’ cake featuring Bert and Ernie from Sesame Street acted in good “conscience.”
In July, Asher’s Baking Company – based in Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland – refused the request of a gay rights activist for a cake showing the message ‘Support Gay Marriage’ above an image of the characters.
The Equality Commission later found that this act broke anti-discrimination laws, and called for the bakery to apologise, but its manager vowed to instead “make a stand”.
This week, the Commission warned in a 16-page legal letter that the bakery will face legal action if it does not settle the case soon.
News Letter reports the Methodist Council on Responsibility said late yesterday: “We are deeply concerned about the decision of the Equality Commission to support legal action against Ashers Bakery following that company’s decision to refuse to make a cake with a slogan supporting gay marriage.
“It is our belief that at the centre of this dispute there is the matter of conscience for Ashers.
“We commend the company for their willingness to take a stance for the sake of conscience.
“If Ashers Bakery should suffer as a consequence of taking this stand how bizarre that the commission action would have been in the name of ‘equality’.”
