In all the legal drama this country is facing from the LGBTQetc. . . community regarding same sex marriage, cakes, venues, and flowers, one judge has reminded us, there is still a first amendment that not only protects the gay community in their statement of free speech, but cake decorating is an art that is also protected by the first amendment!
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| A same-sex couple filed a claim against Tastries Bakery saying the owner would not make their wedding cake because of religious beliefs. (KBAK/KBFX photo) |
The first court battle caught my attention a few years ago, against Jack Phillips in Colorado, before same sex marriage was even legal in the state! This is truly how outrageously it all began. A business man was literally persecuted for not creating a work of art for an event that he does not believe in, and was not legal in the state in which he does business. Now, how did the spin take place to make it a situation of discrimination when the two men could not legally get married in Colorado?
The second case was truly sad, in that two women sought out this small family bakery to bring destruction. So far, they've succeeded. Now, what has that done for their cause? Before this particular incident, I wasn't pro-gay and I do believe Scripture teaches against same sex unions, but I was of the ilk, "live and let live." I'm fine with someone who chooses to disagree with me, and doesn't want my beliefs to affect their way of life; as long as that is a two way street. As an independent small business owner, when a fellow entrepreneur is targeted, I take note. "Sweetcakes by Melissa" was not protesting gay marriage, the bakery simply did not want to participate in a gay marriage! That should be an obvious difference for those who choose to incorporate logic in their perspective.
These situations have needed some logic for some time and I'm glad to see there is finally an appreciation of the artistry of cake decorating. Wedding cakes are usually the secondary focus of the wedding, second only to the bride. To order a specially designed cake is absolutely expecting a work of art! If any of these couples felt otherwise, they could have gone to their Walmart bakery, just picked up a tiered cake, and added their special topper, but they wanted a hand-made, uniquely designed work of art.
I find it difficult to believe there are no other bakers who wouldn't have been more than happy to design a unique cake for these couples. I'll probably say this wrong, but I would think the gay community would be as cohesive as any other group that wants to support their people. Whether it's a gay baker or a baker that had no religious objections, I'd think they'd want to support those businesses, rather than target those who would rather not sell their art for something they don't believe in. When those two men set out to destroy Jack Phillips, and those two women targeted the Kleins, that spoke volumes as to underlying intent and truth be told, I would venture to say, actually lost support for their cause.
My thought on this matter is pretty succinct. These people who have targeted independent business owners, must be so unhappy in their choices, that they have to spread the unhappiness and destruction. I'd guess these bakers truly do have lives that bring out the "covet" in folks who perhaps don't have contentedness. Most dissatisfied customers just take their business elsewhere, rather than attempt to take the business.
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's. Torah of Holy Scripture
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