The Unequal Conduct of the Equality Commission

The conduct of The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland has rightly been called into question in the wake of the victory at the Supreme Court for the Ashers Baking Co.

A number of unionist politicians have called for a review of the actions of The Equality Commission in the light of spending a vast amount of taxpayers' money on what was a wasted prosecution. See below.

Belfast Telegraph - Ashers: Call for review of Equality Commission funding - Foster praises McArthurs for 'grace and perseverance'

The unequal conduct of The Equality Commission has been highlighted in the ruling of two different courts in this case. Both the Court of Appeal and now the Supreme Court have both seen fit to make comment on the unequal conduct of The Equality Commission when ruling on the Ashers case. 

Response from The Christian Institute on Ashers Baking Company Victory

Click on image above to read the response of The Christian Institute to the landmark victory for the Ashers Baking Company at the UK's Supreme Court.

A Good Day for Truth and Righteousness!

 

Click on image to read article in Belfast Newsletter

The Ashers Baking Company have today learned that they have won their case at the United Kingdom's Supreme Court. This is a good day for truth and righteousness!

The McArthur family, who run the Bakery, had won their case in the court of public opinion a long time ago when they were first taken to court by the iniquitous Equality Commission in Northern Ireland. Now they have legally won their case in the highest court of the land. The five justices on the Supreme Court were unanimous in their judgement.

It is no surprise to hear the liberals in the media and elsewhere whine and complain about the ruling. This is a set back for their intolerant agenda and they are not happy. In their utopian world everyone would be compelled to express support for that which God says is wicked and contrary to nature.

Statement from Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster on the Ashers Bakery Court Case

Though today’s ruling in the Belfast County Court against the Ashers Baking Company is hugely disappointing, it is hardly surprising. Over the course of many years the Parliaments and courtrooms of our nation have increasingly legislated for sin and against righteousness.

However even allowing for this ruinous trend does not help us to understand how a judge in Belfast can reach a verdict that rules in favour of the promotion of an activity – same-sex marriage – that, by four successive votes in our legislative Assembly, remains illegal in Northern Ireland.

In legal terms, this is a significant judgment because it militates against freedom of conscience and freedom of speech and effectively opens the door to other opportunists to bring an endless stream of expensive “discrimination” cases against a wide variety of businesses, both Christian and non-Christian. 

Ashers Bakery lose their court case

District Judge Isobel Brownlie has ruled that the owners of the Ashers Baking Company have unlawfully discriminated, on the grounds of sexual orientation, when they refused to bake and ice a cake with a pro-gay marriage slogan. The slogan on the cake was in support of Sodomite marriage, something which is illegal in Northern Ireland.

BBC News - 'Gay cake' row: Judge rules against Ashers bakery

Christian Institute - Ashers ‘deeply disappointed’ after losing case

The Bible has this to say about those who are persecuted for their Christian faith:
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you, Matthew 5:10-12.

Statement from Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster to follow

Over 3,000 people support the Ashers' Bakery owners

A special meeting had been arranged by the Christian Institute to show support for the owners of the Ashers Bakery. Over 3,000 people attended. There were 2,500 people in the main hall, 300 in an overflow hall and 500 people outside. Typically the BBC said there was only over 2,000. Those within the main auditorium gave Daniel McArthur, the bakery's general manager, a standing ovation before he spoke and again when he had finished speaking.

See the following reports:

Belfast Newsletter - Waterfront overflows with ‘gay cake’ bakery supporters

Belfast Telegraph - Christian Institute rally for Ashers Baking Company held at the Waterfront Hall Belfast

BBC News - Ashers Baking Company: Show of support for County Antrim firm's stance in 'gay cake' row

Ashers Bakery owners in Court this incoming week

The owners of Ashers Baking Company are due in court this incoming week, in Belfast, accused of discrimination against sodomites.

The Ashers Baking Company refused to make a cake with the pro-gay marriage slogan ‘Support gay marriage’ emblazoned upon it, along with pictures of two characters from Sesame Street and the name of the group, Queerspace. Interestingly, Gay/sodomite marriage is presently illegal in Northern Ireland. The impression created in many minds is that the Bakery was targeted by those who knew the Christian beliefs of the owners.

The Bakery owners are being taken to court by the Stormont funded Equality Commission. This unelected quango wrote to the Bakery last July threatening legal action if it did not apologise and pay compensation for refusing service. The owners rightly refused and in November the Equality Commission decided to press ahead with the case.