BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (AP) — A California judge has ruled in favor of a bakery owner who refused to make wedding cakes for a same-sex couple because it violated her Christian beliefs.
The state Department of Fair Housing and Employment had sued Tastries Bakery in Bakersfield, arguing owner Cathy Miller intentionally discriminated against the couple in violation of California civil rights law.
Miller’s attorneys argued her right to free speech and free expression of religion trumped the argument that she violated the law.
Superior Court Judge Eric Bradshaw ruled Friday that Miller acted lawfully. The couple, Eileen and Mireya Rodriguez-Del Rio, said they expect an appeal.
A Colorado baker won a partial Supreme Court victory after refusing on religious grounds to make a wedding cake for a gay couple a decade ago.
