INDIANAPOLIS — A same-sex couple claims an Indiana bakery discriminated against them when it refused to bake a cake for their commitment ceremony.
Mike Stephens and Shane Laney said the owner of 111 Cakery in Indianapolis told them “We don’t do that. If I can help you with anything else, but we don’t discriminate.”
The phone conversation sparked a debate on the bakery’s Facebook page. Dozens have voiced their opinions to either attack or defend the business, reports WXIN-TV.
Owners Randy and Trish McGath said in a post on their Facebook page that have never denied anyone through their doors based on who they are or what they believe, but that they have always done business based on their Christian faith.
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“As artists, we have to find inspiration to create something special for our clients,” said Randy McGath. “When asked to do a cake for an occasion or with a theme that’s in opposition with our faith? It’s just hard for us. We struggle with that.”
WXIN reported that legal experts say private businesses have the legal right to serve whoever they want.
While Indiana does not have statewide protections for LGBT people, the city of Indianapolis, where 111 Cakery is located, does prohibit discrimination in public accommodations on the sexual orientation and gender identity under Chapter 581 of the Revised Code of the Consolidated City of Indianapolis/Marion County.
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