10 October 2018
The President of the Methodist Church, the Rev. Billy Davison and the Rev.Dr. David Clements, Northern Convenor of the Methodist’s Council on Social Responsibility have issued the following Statement:
The Methodist Church in Ireland welcome the clarity of the unanimous decision of the Supreme Court today. We note that the court has ruled, “that the bakers did not refuse to fulfil the order because of his sexual orientation.” “They would have refused to make such a cake for any customer, irrespective of their sexual orientation. Their objection was to the message on the cake, not to the personal characteristics of Mr Lee.”
We welcome the protection that this gives to those who now cannot be forced to provide a service that conflicts with their own religious or moral convictions.
At the same time we are concerned that minorities are not discriminated against and we are sorry that Mr Lee says he feels like a second-class citizen. When competing rights and freedoms conflict, it is hard to satisfy all sides, but we welcome the clarity that this judgement brings.
— ENDS —
10.10.18.
Issued by:
Rev. Roy Cooper (07710945104)
Press Officer