Judge Rules Baker Must Provide Wedding Services to Gay Couples Despite Religious Convictions

A Denver baker who adamantly refused to provide a cake for a same-sex wedding must offer his services to gay couples, a judge ruled Friday.

Judge Robert N. Spencer said Masterpiece Cakeshop owner Jack Phillips must comply with the order despite his religious beliefs or pay fines, according to the Associated Press.

(Image source: Shutterstock)

The order reportedly said his shop discriminated against a couple "because of their sexual orientation by refusing to sell them a wedding cake for their same-sex marriage."

No fines were imposed this time, but Spencer's order said Phillips must "cease and desist from discriminating" against same-sex couples.

The baker's lawyer, however, said the order forces him to violate his religious beliefs.

"He can't violate his conscience in order to collect a paycheck," Nicolle Martin reportedly said. "If Jack can't make wedding cakes, he can't continue to support his family. And in order to make wedding cakes, Jack must violate his belief system."

"That is a reprehensible choice," she added. "It is antithetical to everything America stands for."

[sharequote align="center"]"It is antithetical to everything America stands for."[/sharequote]

The case was brought to court after the American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit against Phillips when he reportedly refused to bake a cake for the wedding of Charlie Craig, 33, and David Mullins, 29.

FILE - This June 6, 2013 file photo shows Dave Mullins, right, sitting for a portrait with his husband Charlie Craig, in Denver. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley, File)

Amanda Goad, a lawyer for the ACLU, argued this has nothing to do with Phillips' religious beliefs.

"But treating gay people differently because of who they are is discrimination, plain and simple," she reportedly said.

Colorado has a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage, but allows for civil unions. Phillips can appeal the judge's decision.

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