Baker Who Refused Gay Wedding Cake Can't Cite Faith

A Colorado baker who refused to bake a wedding cake for a same-sex couple because of his religious beliefs has lost his appeal to the state's court of appeals. 

Jack Phillips of Masterpiece Cakeshop in Lakewood refused to make a wedding cake for a same-sex couple in 2012.

Phillips said he told the couple that his faith would not allow him to bake them a wedding cake, but that he would create any other baked good that they wished.

The couple filed a complaint with the the Colorado Civil Rights Commission.
    
A judge for the commission ruled that Phillips discriminated against the couple and ordered him to change his store policy or face fines ranging from $50 to $500 and required Phillips "re-educate" his employees.

Phillips appealed to the Colorado Court of Appeals.

On Thursday, the court said Phillips cannot cite his religious beliefs in refusing service to gay couples because it would lead to discrimination.
    
Phillips now faces fines if he refuses to make wedding cakes for gay couples.  He said he has no problem serving gays at his store, but reiterated that making a wedding cake for gay couples violates his Christian beliefs.
    
The Alliance Defending Freedom, which is representing Philips, said it would consider appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court. 

"Americans are guaranteed the freedom to live and work consistent with their faith," the ADF said in a statement. "Government has a duty to protect people's freedom to follow their beliefs personally and professionally rather than force them to adopt the government's views."

"Jack simply exercised the long-cherished American freedom to decline to use his artistic talents to promote a message with which he disagrees," the statement continued. "The court is wrong to deny Jack his fundamental freedoms. We will discuss further legal options."