RON AND DON

Supreme Court gay wedding hearing would have ramifications in the Northwest

Jun 27, 2017, 5:48 AM | Updated: 5:49 am

Supreme Court, gay wedding...

A gay wedding cake. (AP)

(AP)

A Colorado case heading to the United States Supreme Court would likely have ramifications that echo throughout the Northwest.

The case of Masterpiece Cakeshop vs. Colorado involves a baker who refused to make a wedding cake for David Mullins and Charlie Craig in 2012. The baker, Jack Phillips, claimed his religion did not favor gay marriage. His arguments lost in Colorado courts, but will now move on to the Supreme Court.

RELATED: Trump picks Neil Gorsuch for US Supreme Court

“The Supreme Court has turned down this very same case,” KIRO Radio’s Dave Ross told The Ron and Don Show. “The fact they are accepting it means that someone on the court finds this interesting enough to change the status quo.”

In Oregon, Sweet Cakes by Melissa has faced the court over their refusal to bake a wedding cake for a gay couple. Florist Barronelle Stutzman of Richland’s Arlene’s Flowers faced a lawsuit when she refused to serve gay customers for their wedding. According to Washington state law, businesses that are open to the public cannot refuse service to customers based on sexual orientation. Some argue that this crosses a line for others’ religious freedom.

With the Colorado case heading to the Supreme Court over similar religious and free-speech arguments, many are watching to see if the Northwest cases could turn the other way.

“It would affect the same types of cases we had with the flower shop and the one Oregon bakery involved with this,” Ross said.

Ron Upshaw, however, noted that Ross himself is a man of faith and wondered how he thought of the religious arguments that business owners often cite.

“I can’t imagine the Supreme Being that I believe in sending anybody to hell because they sold a cake to a gay guy or even a drag queen,” Ross said. “I don’t see God doing that.”

Ron and Don

...

KIRO Newsradio Newsdesk

Ron and Don’s last show on KIRO Radio

Last night was Ron and Don’s last show on KIRO Radio.

5 years ago

Kelly Herzberg in her natural habitat. (Photo by Rachel Belle)...

Rachel Belle

In Seattle, a personal shopper and stylist who only shops at thrift stores

If you think you can't afford a personal stylist, head to the thrift store with Sweet Kelly Anne Styling's Kelly Herzberg who will pull hundreds of pieces for you to try on.

5 years ago

Viaduct waterfront...

Ron Upshaw

What do we do with the waterfront after the viaduct is gone?

After the viaduct is taken down, we'll be left with a choice: What do we do with one of the most beautiful waterfronts in the country?

5 years ago

(MyNorthwest)...

Ron Upshaw

Shower Thoughts: Ichiro can give Mariners fans something to root for

Rumor has it that Ichiro might make a comeback next year, and I for one welcome it.

5 years ago

Border wall...

Ron Upshaw

Trying to figure out why people want Trump’s border wall

A little over 40 percent of Americans now support the idea of a border wall, but what is it about it that seems so attractive?

5 years ago

Dan McCartney, Pierce County Sheriff...

Don O'Neill

Why you could hear kids’ voices on Pierce County Sheriff radios Monday night

Sometimes, "gone but not forgotten" isn't always how slain officers are remembered. But in Pierce County, a special effort is being made to commemorate a fallen deputy.

5 years ago

Supreme Court gay wedding hearing would have ramifications in the Northwest