(June 6, 2018 at 3:55 pm)Khemikal Wrote: "Going someplace else" is a choice that a person can make..except when they can;t...but that doesn;t take the place of civil rights, nor can it.
No one was forcing the couple to go there and in the state of Colorado, I think it's safe to say there's more than one baker in existence. I also didn't say it takes the place of civil rights. However, cake isn't a necessity or a need. It's a want and when a wedding cake is something that has to get made based on an individual's or a couple's preferences, then they are relying on the talents of the person making the cake. That person isn't mass producing the cake. They are making a one of a kind piece to be used at a single event. It is my opinion that the wedding cake is edible art. Those making it have the right not to feel pressured into making something they don't agree with.
And again, the wedding cake is a want, not a necessity. I don't really see civil rights being trounced on. If was working at a hospital and refused to provide medical attention to gay people or black people, that would be a violation of civil rights.
This is a slippery issue for me because I see both sides of the issue. Clearly I'm in the minority on this issue and I'm okay with that. And before anyone accuses me - I am not a bigot and I am not hating on any group of people. I asked my son for his opinion because he is gay and I felt that this was something we should talk about. He understands the importance of being able to know the difference between when his civil rights are being violated and when they are not.
At the end of the day, with regards to the issue of the baker, he feels that it's not worth it to force someone to do something they don't want to do. And I agree with him. The baker owns his own business and is not a non-profit agency. The only thing that he feels he shouldn't have to do is make wedding cakes for gay couples. He is more than willing to sell anything else he makes to them. He's not kicking them out of his store and refusing total service, just wedding cakes.
Would it have made everyone feel better if the baker had simply said that he was too busy? If so, why should he have to lie so that others aren't offended?
Disclaimer: I am only responsible for what I say, not what you choose to understand.
