Northern Ireland’s Attorney General gets green light for involvement in ‘gay cake’ case

Northern Ireland’s Attorney General has been given the green light to become involved in a Christian-run bakery’s appeal against being found to have discriminated against a gay customer.

Senior judges in Belfast today issued notices of devolution following legal arguments from John Larkin QC about the lawfulness of legislation at the centre of the case.

They decided he had raised an arguable case that sexual orientations regulations in Northern Ireland directly discriminate against those who hold religious beliefs or political opinions.

The move gives Mr Larkin authorisation to make representations when Ashers’ Baking Company seeks to overturn the verdict against them at a full hearing in May.

Lord Chief Justice Sir Declan Morgan said: “We are satisfied that there is an issue about whether or not the relevant statutes give rise to direct discrimination issues which is more than frivolous and vexatious.”

The bakery, run by the McArthur family, is appealing the outcome of legal action over its refusal to make a cake with a pro-gay marriage slogan.

Last year Belfast County Court held that it had discriminated against customer Gareth Lee on grounds of sexual orientation and political beliefs.

The company was ordered to pay £500 in damages to the gay rights activist.

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Read also: All conservatives agree: Stop harassing Christian bakers, florists, and wedding planners by Ben Johnson, LifeSite