So much for Freedom of Religion in Colorado:
As a former wedding photographer, I totally feel for this guy and respect him for standing by his Christian beliefs. It’s not popular in the wedding industry as most wedding photographers that I knew were very liberal and thought you were a bigot for even bringing up the topic. I was a part of a massive paid wedding photography forum and the one time I brought up the topic it turned into a flame war and the post had to be shut down.
But this is far worse than simply going against unpopular opinion. This decision has now made it illegal for Masterpiece Bakery owner Jack Phillips to continue standing by his Christian beliefs and, effectively, for any one else in the wedding industry in Colorado to do the same. Now Phillips faces fines if he refuses to comply with the judge’s order and you know there will be plenty of gay couples coming to his shop just to rack up the fines.
“I just want to be able to get married” is what gay couples often claim, but when it comes down to it many want to punish you for disagreeing with their lifestyle. This gay couple could have easily walked out of his shop and went to another shop to get a cake.
This case is exactly why I oppose gay marriage because as soon as the state grants gay couples the right to marry, I lose my right to disagree. Else I become a bigoted homophobe who will be punished in some manner, whether it’s lawsuits resulting in civil penalties or criminal prosecution. And that’s what is happening to Jack Phillips.
I think he has no choice but to appeal it and get a stay on the judge’s order. But regardless, it seems clear that Freedom of Religion is much closer to being dead in this country. Pretty soon a pastor will be sued for simply preaching against homosexuality. It’ll be said that their influencing hate crimes or something silly. It’s just a matter of time.