BAYMEC: Masterpiece Cakeshop decision leaves anti-discrimination laws intact, condemns religious hostility, and side steps larger issue of LGBTQ discrimination
“Today, our current anti-discrimination laws remain intact, although those who fail to read beyond the headlines may use this occasion to openly display bigoted behaviors in the marketplace and our communities. Those actions remain wrong, unlawful and hurtful.” – Wiggsy Sivertsen, Co-Founder of BAYMEC
In a surprise ruling, the Supreme Court sided with the baker in Masterpiece Cakeshop, but not for the reasons we expected. Like many Americans, we were deeply concerned that this case would become the occasion for the Supreme Court to deal a blow to all anti-discrimination laws around the country. However, the Court instead took the occasion to condemn the Colorado Civil Rights Commission’s hostility to the baker’s religion while avoiding the issue of the LGBTQ customers’ rights. In fact, Justice Kennedy wrote, “it is a general rule that [religious] objections do not allow business owners and other actors in the economy and in society to deny protected persons equal access to goods and services.” We agree.
Despite this positive outcome, we still have much work to do. Discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations remains a serious issue, and Masterpiece Cakeshop’s owner was not alone in his discriminatory conduct. Ten percent of LGBTQ Americans living in cities and 30% of LGBTQ Americans living in rural areas have experienced discrimination from a bakery or caterer when trying to purchase services for a wedding.
“While we are disappointed that the Court declined the opportunity to fully articulate the rights of LGBTQ Americans, we are pleased with this recognition of our fundamental right to be free from discrimination. We must continue to work towards ending anti-LGBTQ discrimination once and for all, and the next step in the effort is for Congress to pass the Equality Act.” – Paul Escobar, BAYMEC Vice President
BAYMEC board members will be made available throughout the day for interviews.