The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland brought the case against the Ashers Baking Company, accusing it of violating discrimination laws.
Judge Isobel Brownlie ruled in favor of the ECNI, noting that the bakery is not a religious organization and therefore is not exempt from discrimination laws.

Ashers' General Manager Daniel McArthur said on the website of his defense counsel, The Christian Institute, that "the ruling suggests that all business owners will have to be willing to promote any cause or campaign no matter how much they disagree with it—or as the Equality Commission has suggested, they should perhaps just close down and that can't be right."

The bakery owners say they're happy to bake a cake for anyone but reserve the right to decline messages that are contrary to their religious beliefs.

The case followed the bakery's 2014 decision to refuse an order from a gay rights activist for a cake with the slogan "support gay marriage."
The bakery said it's considering appealing the ruling, and says it's "grateful for support from Christians around the world."

"Because of this case we have had more opportunities to talk about our Christian faith and the Lord Jesus Christ, and for that we can be very thankful to God," McArthur said.

Some of their supporters include Melissa and Aaron Klein of the US-based bakery Sweet Cakes. The Kleins were forced to close their physical shop in Oregon—going online only—because of protesters, after refusing to make a cake for a gay wedding; they have also been issued a huge fine. (Photo: Klein family/via BBC News)

In a BBC News report, Melissa explained her position and support for Asher's bakery, "...the cake is our canvas and we get to put our artwork on it. When you make a cake, you are putting your signature on it and they should have the right not to do it."

"My message to Ashers bakery is stand, fight this," said Melissa, "it's time for Christians to unite."

The BBC reports that some lawmakers in Northern Ireland are considering introducing a conscience clause as a result of the Ashers case.

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