Supreme Court Rules Against Same-Sex Couple in Blow to Equal Rights

Washington, DC – The League of Women Voters president Chris Carson issued the following statement in response to the Supreme Court’s decision in Masterpiece Cakeshop, Ltd. v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission, in which a bakery in Colorado refused to make a wedding cake for a same-sex couple citing religious objections:

"Today’s Supreme Court decision side-steps answering an important discrimination question and will likely open the door to future same-sex litigation.

"All people, regardless of sexual orientation, should receive equal treatment from public businesses. We have laws in place to guarantee equal marketplace access to women, people of color, LGBT persons, and other protected groups. Today’s ruling fails to provide clarity around when free exercise of religion rises to the level of discrimination against a protected class. 

"The League of Women Voters filed an amicus brief in this case making the argument that allowing the bakery to refuse service violates public accommodations laws and opens the door to discrimination of other groups.

"Furthermore, the decision to side with the baker is a step backwards for civil rights and could open the door for future sex-based discrimination.

"The League of Women Voters believes all persons should receive fair and equal treatment in public places. We cannot look the other way while some suffer discrimination."

  Contact: Sarah Courtney | 202-263-1332 | [email protected]