Unless you have been hiding under a rock for the last few years, you will be aware of the so called ‘gay-cake’ issue. A man ordered a pro-homosexual message to be part of a cake decoration from a family-owned bakery. The family being known for their Christian faith.
While many have seen this as a court battle between the LGBT community and the faith community, it has also deeper facets of religious liberty, freedom of conscience and of course freedom of expression (free speech).
It has become more relevant to me since I started my wee craft biz. I don’t ask sexual preference, religion etc from any of my customers – happy to have anyone & everyone as customers. However, I would feel uncomfortable embroidering something advocating, for example, abortion. Now, I know that I can turn down that personalisation because of my religious views about sanctity of human life without it being seen as discriminating against the customer who asked for it. Especially as I would be happy to provide them with any other type of craft item. I think that’s the crux of this ruling from the Supreme Court.
However, there are more learned people than me who have opined on this matter. I especially respect the considered and sometimes challenging opinions of Peter Lynas as they are always presented with a calm and well-thought-out logic while still maintaining a Biblical perspective. Consider his recent piece in the Belfast Telegraph
Peter Lynas – thoughts on Asher’s verdict and how we move on
There still many ‘But what if… ‘ questions to ponder on this issue.
‘But what if it was not a cake (which is commonly available from many suppliers) but something medical?
‘But what if it had been a political message?
But then, our minds need mysteries to ponder and ideals to explore…. otherwise how will our mind & thinking grow and develop?
AngeLisa Crafts 