A legal battle over a same-sex wedding cake has been ongoing for nearly eight years, with Tastries Bakery owner, Cathy Miller, now turning to the U.S. Supreme Court for a final ruling after the California Supreme Court declined to review the case. The saga began in 2017 when Miller refused to create a wedding cake for a same-sex couple, citing her religious beliefs.
California’s Supreme Court’s decision not to intervene prompted Miller to prepare a petition to be filed with the U.S. Supreme Court by the end of August. If accepted, the case could be heard by the high court in late 2025 or early 2026. This legal battle has been emotionally taxing for Miller, who expressed the challenges she has faced throughout the process.
The dispute originated in 2017 when Miller declined the same-sex couple’s request for a custom wedding cake, triggering a lawsuit by the California Civil Rights Department alleging discrimination based on sexual orientation. In March, a California state appeals court ruled against Miller, deeming her refusal to be unlawful discrimination.
Miller’s attorney, Adele Keim, highlighted previous U.S. Supreme Court decisions favoring business owners in similar cases, such as the Masterpiece Cakeshop ruling in 2018. Keim emphasized that the core issue at hand is not discrimination but rather the protection of religious freedom.
Despite the legal battle, Miller emphasized that her bakery serves all customers, including those from the LGBTQ community, and she refers same-sex couples to other bakers while upholding her religious convictions. Keim praised Miller for her resilience throughout the legal ordeal, noting that the case has significant implications for religious freedom.
Miller has until the end of August to submit her petition to the U.S. Supreme Court, after which California will have the opportunity to respond before the justices decide on hearing the case in late 2025 or early 2026. Miller expressed hope for a prompt resolution, seeking guidance from the highest court in the land.
The potential escalation of this dispute to the U.S. Supreme Court underscores the broader societal debate surrounding religious liberties and LGBTQ rights. The outcome of this case could establish a pivotal precedent in navigating the delicate balance between these fundamental rights.
As the legal battle unfolds, Cathy Miller remains steadfast in her beliefs and commitment to her bakery, navigating the complexities of the law while upholding her religious convictions. The implications of this case extend beyond the realm of cake baking, delving into the intricacies of constitutional rights and the evolving landscape of societal values.
With the U.S. Supreme Court potentially stepping into this contentious issue, the outcome could shape future legal interpretations and societal norms, setting a precedent with far-reaching implications for businesses, individuals, and the ongoing discourse on civil liberties and equality.
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