Judge Rules In Favor of Baker Refusing to Make Same-Sex Wedding Cake

The case of Baker vs Same-Sex Couple has finally been given a verdict by a California judge after the baker refused to make wedding cakes for a same-sex couple because it violated her Christian beliefs.

The state Department of Fair Housing and Employment had sued Tastries Bakery in Bakersfield, arguing owner Cathy Miller intentionally discriminated against the couple in violation of California’s Unruh Civil Rights Act.

However, Miller’s attorney’s fought back saying she was entitled to her own free speech and free expression of religion. She in no way violated the anti-discrimination law.

Kern County Superior Court Judge Eric Bradshaw ruled Friday that Miller acted lawfully while upholding her beliefs about what the Bible teaches regarding marriage.

The decision was welcomed as a First Amendment victory by Miller and her pro-bono attorneys with the conservative Thomas More Society.

“I’m hoping that in our community we can grow together,” Miller told the Bakersfield Californian after the ruling. “And we should understand that we shouldn’t push any agenda against anyone else.”

A spokesperson said, “The fair housing department was aware of the ruling, but had not determined what to do next. At this time it looks like the couple, Eileen and Mireya Rodriguez-Del Rio, are planning to appeal the verdict.”

“Of course we’re disappointed, but not surprised,” Eileen said. “We anticipate that our appeal will have a different result.”

An earlier decision in Kern County Superior Court also went Miller’s way, but it was later vacated by the 5th District Court of Appeal, which sent the lawsuit back to the county.