We, the Union of Affirming Christians, a coalition of Christians actively affirming the full inclusion of LGBT+ persons in the life of society and the church, continue to stand against religion being used to deny people their civil rights. Today, the Supreme Court reversed the decision in Masterpiece Cakeshop, Ltd v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission, ruling that the Colorado Civil Rights Commission did not properly consider the free speech claims of a shopowner who refused to sell a gay couple a cake because they are LGBT, based on religious objections. While we believe no one’s religion permits them to discriminate under the law, we take note that it is a narrow ruling focused on the specifics of the case at hand, rather than furthering legal discrimination. We are heartened by the fact that the Supreme Court made clear that civil rights laws can constitutionally prohibit discrimination by businesses open to the public, including to protect LGBT+ people. As Christians called to love our neighbor as ourselves, we believe discrimination has no place in our society, and we will continue to follow our calling to fight for the full inclusion and dignity of all God’s children.
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