Claim Baking Cakes Is ‘Compelled Speech’
Some of Congress’ most anti-gay Republicans are signing a Supreme Court amicus brief in support of a Christian baker who refuses to make wedding cakes for same-sex couples. 86 lawmakers have added their names. Among the signers are U.S. Senator Mike Lee of Utah, Rep. Vicky Hartzler of Missouri, Rep. Doug Lamborn of Colorado, and Jody Hice of Georgia, who held a press conference with the Alliance Defending Freedom Thursday afternoon on the Capitol steps (video above).
The Republicans are supporting Jack Phillips, owner of the Masterpiece Cake Shop, who – although losing every step of the way – thanks to his attorneys, Alliance Defending Freedom, has convinced the U.S. Supreme Court to hear his case.
Calling it a “a compelled speech case,” Senator Lee told supporters laws that demand businesses treat people equally are a violation of freedom of speech and expression. Lee suggests that baking a wedding cake for a same-sex couple is akin to supporting same-sex marriage. Most courts to date have disagreed.
Also speaking were ADF attorney Kristen Waggoner and ADF clients Jack Phillips, and Barronelle Stutzman, a Washington State florist who has repeatedly refused to settle her case for $1000 – $2000.
Waggonner, as usual, continued to peddle her dubious claim that Stutzman faces the loss of everything she owns.
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Hat tip: The Hill, Joe.My.God.
Image via Rep. Vicky Hartzler/Twitter
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