LAKEWOOD, Colo. — A battle between a Lakewood baker and a gay couple could finally come to an end today.
The state’s Civil Rights Commission is expected to make a decision about whether the bakery discriminated against the couple after refusing service.
In August 2012, it was a time of joy for David Mullins and Charlie Craig that turned into a two-year battle after the owner of Masterpiece Cakeshop in Lakewood turned them away because they’re gay.
“We informed him that the wedding cake was for us and he then immediately said that he did not provide cakes for same sex weddings,” Mullins said.
Bakery owner Jack Phillips said in 2012 he refused to make the cake because of his religious principal.
“I’m a follower of Jesus Christ so you can say it’s a religious belief, but I believe that the Bible teaches that that’s not an OK thing,” said Phillips, who said it’s a long-standing policy and he has turned away several other gay couples for the same reason.
His decision to refuse their business led to local protests and international outrage. Mullins and Craig filed a complaint with the state.
Last year, an administrative judge ruled the bakery illegally discriminated against the couple. The bakery appealed the decision and now the Civil Rights Commission will rule on the appeal.