Salon Can't Bake That Gay Cake

While admitting that she has turned down work for personal and political reasons, Salon staffer Mary Elizabeth Williams claims she couldn’t possibly be seen as a “narrow-minded bigot,” presumably as her reasons are clearly so much better than, say, someone else’s.

But credit where due, said Salon staff writer is opposed to bakeries being forced to make gay wedding cakes.

As an independent contractor, I have certainly exercised my right to turn down writing jobs from businesses and individuals I, for personal and political reasons, refuse to work with. Because I’m not some narrow-minded bigot, my reasons tend to be of a different nature than those of a Christian-owned bakery. 

As an independent contractor, I have certainly exercised my right to turn down writing jobs from businesses and individuals I, for personal and political reasons, refuse to work with. Because I’m not some narrow-minded bigot, my reasons tend to be of a different nature than those of a Christian-owned bakery. But suppose I was a baker. And suppose I didn’t want to make a cake that had a message that was offensive to me or contrary to my beliefs. If I want to fight for the right to say no to that customer, I have to consider that someone else has the right to say no to another. I have to consider that the reality of the world is that there are people whose religious beliefs really do make it hard for them right now to stand with marriage equality. I wish for them to become more open and tolerant and loving, and soon, but I don’t see how forcing them to make wedding cakes is necessarily going to do it.

Meanwhile, no doubt coming to an Amerika near you … the Equality commission … ugh! 

The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland has reportedly contacted the bakery on behalf of a gay rights activist and politician customer whose request for a Bert and Ernie-themed cake was refused. The letter says the owners are in violation of anti-discrimination laws, and furthermore that “If it does not offer compensation within seven days, it will face legal action.”