Lee v Ashers Baking Co Ltd [2015] NICty

This well-reported 'gay cake' case has gone in favour of the Plaintiff, Mr Lee, who had requested a cake from Ashers with the phrase 'Support Gay Marriage' scanned into the icing on the top. The order was initially accepted to avoid 'a confrontation in the shop', according to the third respondent but was later refused.

This case raised issues of public importance regarding the extent to which suppliers of goods and services can refuse service on grounds of sexual orientation, religious belief and political opinion. The Court’s decision confirms the legal responsibilities on all service providers not to discriminate against their customers on these grounds.

Presiding District Judge Brownlie