Christian bakery owner Jack Phillips, who recently won his case before the Supreme Court in Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission, says his business has been busier than ever after his court victory.
Phillips, who owns speciality bakery Masterpiece Cakeshop, drew national attention when he refused to make a cake for a gay couple’s wedding, citing his religious beliefs. Although losing his case in the lower courts, Phillips appealed his case all the way to the Supreme Court which ruled in his favor earlier this month.
Phillips said he has received an outpouring of support as the case went before the Supreme Court and that his business has increased, although he initially lost 40 percent of his business.
"We have had so many people coming by to support us as the case has gone on, and there has been an outpouring of love and support since the decision came down. The state's targeting of my beliefs cost me 40 percent of my business and forced me from 10 employees down to four. But we're so happy to be busy doing what we do best at our shop," Phillips told The Christian Post in an email.
“We're also eager to start designing custom wedding cakes again," he added. "A cake is a canvas, and I'm really looking forward to creating beautiful art that celebrates such a special day."
Nearly 400 supporters gathered outside Masterpiece Cakeshop following the Supreme Court victory. They chanted “Jack is back” and “Love free speech!” Their were also many LGBT protesters and activists present. Phillips offered them cookies and said “Thanks for coming. Come back anytime.”
"Since we won, we've seen far more support than negativity,” the soft-spoken baker and cake designer continued. “Even people who don't believe what I do about marriage, including many who identify as LGBT, have been so encouraging. Tolerance is a two-way street. If we want freedom for ourselves, we have to extend it to those with whom we disagree. Most people get that.”
Photo courtesy: Facebook/We Stand With Jack Phillips of Masterpiece Cakeshop Colorado Bakery
Publication date: June 22, 2018
