This case was won not because he refused to bake the cake but because the state of Colorado treated him differently then other's who made a conscientious decision not to bake cakes people requested that had disparaging wording or images of same sex couples. The state let those rulings stand while not only denying Philips his right to make a conscientious decision but also rebuked him openly in their rulings, making statements such as how religion has been used as a reason to discriminate against others for hundreds of years. (Along with other disparaging comments about religion) The court ruled the judgement against Philips was bias. The court ruled that tolerance would go a long way in ensuring the rights of all individuals, that moving forward each case will have to be determined on a case by case basis. Those bringing suit against those who refuse service will have the burden of proof upon themselves to show that the opposing party made a refusal of service out of a dislike or disdain for same sex couples. Therefore before refusing service a business owner would have to think hard if they've ever said or posted disparaging remarks against same sex couples before, belong to any organizations fighting against same sex rights, refused service of all products to same sex couples, baked a wedding cake for someone they knew got a divorce, or committed adultery, or even baked a wedding cake for someone released from prison after murdering someone....deeply held religious beliefs will mean just that, deeply held, they won't be able to cherry pick from the Bible. From my own personal perspective on this is that people who face losing their jobs, homes and savings in defense of their god hold deeply held religious beliefs, these people are far and few between given that there are only a handful of these cases across the country in the court system. Most people, in my opinion, don't subscribe to their doctrine like they should, before refusing service they have to think long and hard about what could be dug up from their past and if they want their family, friends, neighbors and fellow parishioners possibly dragged through discovery for a court case.
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