Tatchell calls for legal U-turn

Gay and human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell has called on the Supreme Court to back the Christian bakers at the heart of the '˜gay cake' row.
By The Newsroom
Published 1st May 2018, 21:05 BST
Updated 1st May 2018, 22:17 BST
Gay and human rights activist Peter Tatchell has called on the Supreme Court to overturn the decision against Ashers Baking Co. Photo: Nick Ansell/PA WireGay and human rights activist Peter Tatchell has called on the Supreme Court to overturn the decision against Ashers Baking Co. Photo: Nick Ansell/PA Wire
Gay and human rights activist Peter Tatchell has called on the Supreme Court to overturn the decision against Ashers Baking Co. Photo: Nick Ansell/PA Wire

In a statement yesterday he described the previous Appeal Court verdict against Ashers as “a defeat for freedom of expression”.

He added: “As well as meaning that Ashers can be legally forced to aid the promotion of same-sex marriage against their wishes, it also implies that gay bakers could be forced by law to decorate cakes with homophobic slogans.

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“Discrimination against people should be illegal but not discrimination against ideas and opinions. I hope the Supreme Court will recognise this distinction and reverse the decision of the Appeal Court.”

Ashers did not refuse to serve customer Gareth Lee, but rather refused to decorate a cake with a pro-gay message which is “their right in a free and democratic society”.