Supreme Court Ruling A Victory for Freedom of Colorado Baker to Live By His Faith

The U.S. Supreme Court today ruled 7-2 in favor of Jack Phillips, a baker who declined to create a wedding cake to celebrate a same-sex ceremony because doing so would violate his religious belief that marriage is the union of a man and a woman.

Family Research Council President Tony Perkins released the following statement on the Supreme Court’s ruling in Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission:

“This is a victory for Jack Phillips and our nation’s long-cherished freedom of following one’s deeply held beliefs without fear of government punishment.   The Supreme Court made clear that the government has no authority to discriminate against Jack Phillips because of his religious beliefs,” Mr. Perkins said. “Misguided government officials singled out Jack’s religious beliefs for discriminatory treatment – but that isn’t freedom, it’s tyranny.   It’s simply un-American to force people like Jack to compromise their religious beliefs just because they are disfavored by those who have used government entities like this Colorado government commission.”

“Thankfully, the Supreme Court’s ruling means Jack will remain free to live according to his beliefs whether he is at work, at home, or in his place of worship. As Americans, our consensus on religious freedom has historically recognized the God-given right of Americans to live all aspects of their lives according to their faith.  This is no different today,” concluded Perkins.

Mr. Phillips said of the ruling that is would “declare to the world that my faith is not a scarlet letter.”