The competing interests of an individual's First Amendment
right to religious freedom and an individual's right to be free
from discrimination will be addressed by the Supreme Court of the
United States ("SCOTUS") in the fall. A couple who
married in Massachusetts, but were celebrating their nuptials in
Colorado, contacted a bakery to bake them a wedding cake for their
wedding reception. Masterpiece Cake Shop Ltd. refused to
provide a wedding cake for this same-sex couple (as well as others
as a matter of "policy"), after the baker cited his
religious belief that marriage is between one man and one
woman. As a result of the denial of services, the couple
filed a complaint with the Colorado Civil Rights Division. It
found that Masterpiece Cake Shop Limited violated Colorado
anti-discrimination laws by refusing to provide cakes for same-sex
weddings or celebrations. As a result of this court action,
the owner faces penalties if he continues to refuse services