Colorado Supreme Court Dismisses Case Involving Christian Baker and Transgender Customer
Recent ruling in the discrimination case involving Masterpiece Cakeshop and owner Jack Phillips
By Nate Raymond
Colorado's top court sidesteps the issue of whether a Christian baker can refuse to create a cake for a customer celebrating a gender transition. The case was dismissed on procedural grounds, leaving the question unanswered.
Lower courts had found that Phillips violated Autumn Scardina's rights by refusing to make a cake for her because of her identity as a transgender woman.
Phillips argued that making the cake would infringe on his free speech rights under the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment. However, the Colorado Supreme Court avoided this issue by ruling that Scardina was not permitted to sue the baker in 2019 due to procedural reasons.
Scardina had filed a discrimination complaint with the Colorado Civil Rights Division after Phillips refused to make the cake she wanted to order. She alleged that he denied her order because of her identity as a transgender woman.
The court's decision has sparked controversy, with dissenting justices expressing concern over the implications of the ruling. Phillips' lawyers see it as a victory, bringing an end to what they describe as the "harassment" of their client.
Overall, the case raises important questions about free speech, discrimination, and the rights of individuals in protected classes. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing legal battles surrounding issues of identity and expression in today's society.