Last Updated on August 25, 2018 by Kittredge Cherry
LGBTQ rights and the religious freedom of LGBTQ Christians were set back today (June 4) when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a conservative Christian baker could refuse to make a wedding cake for a gay couple. The decision sets a dangerous precedent by allowing discrimination and ignoring the existence of progressive Christians.
The 7-2 ruling was made on grounds that the Colorado Civil Rights Commission showed hostility to the baker’s “sincere religious beliefs” when they ruled against him earlier.
But what about the sincere religious beliefs of LGBTQ people of faith? The ruling and related news coverage seem to make the false assumption that all same-sex couples are secular and all Christians consider homosexuality a sin.
In reality, there are many LGBTQ Christians and allies who see same-sex marriage as a sacrament that affirms the holy love and commitment between two women or two men. Wedding cakes are part of our religious tradition too. We deserve the right to freely exercise our queer religious faith.
Would Jesus bake a cake for a same-sex wedding?
An example of LGBTQ Christian faith is the drawing at the top of this post: “Let Them Eat Cake” by David Hayward, also known as “nakedpastor.” It shows Jesus not only eating a slice of LGBTQ rainbow cake but offering it freely to others. Hayward has a master’s degree in theology and 30 years of pastoral experience. His books include “The Art of Coming Out: Cartoons for the LGBTQ Community.” Prints of “Let Them Eat Cake” are available from Naked Pastor’s online shop.
Jesus upset religious authorities of his own day by breaking purity laws, befriending sexual outcasts, and teaching love without limits. He performed his first miracle at a wedding when he transformed water into wine. There is even a medieval European tradition that Jesus and his Beloved Disciple John were the bridal couple at the Cana wedding feast. The Bible tells the story in John 2:1-11 without ever naming who was getting married.
In contrast, the baker behind the Supreme Court case told ABC’s The View, “I don’t believe that Jesus would have made a cake if he had been a baker.”
Decision opens the door for discrimination
Although the ruling is blessedly narrow, the danger of this decision goes way beyond wedding cakes. It sends the wrong message, telling businesses that they don’t have to treat everyone equally. Some people will see it as an excuse to deny service to LGBTQ people — and other minority groups.
If businesses are allowed to discriminate against same-sex couples, it could lead to other kinds of discrimination too. As NPR noted, “For a half-century, the high court has upheld public accommodations laws against challenges brought by people who claim that their sincerely held beliefs — religious and otherwise — prevent them from serving customers on an equal basis.” Now a dangerous new precedent has been set.
A statement issued today by the LGBTQ-affirming Metropolitan Community Churches says, “Today, we grieve that 50 years of striving for freedom by all marginalized groups was undermined by the highest court in the USA.”
Rachelle Brown, MCC interim moderator, points out, “The Justices say this is a narrow decision that applies only to this case, but let us not fool ourselves. The opponents to equality will read this as an open door to use religion is an excuse for bigotry.”
Let’s take this opportunity to stand together and reaffirm our commitment in Christ to build a community where bigotry is replaced by love and all people share in the wealth of the earth.
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Top image credit:
“Let Them Eat Cake” by David Hayward, also known as naked pastor
Copyright © Kittredge Cherry. All rights reserved.
Qspirit.net presents the Jesus in Love Blog on LGBTQ spirituality.
“Let Them Eat Cake” and other progressive Christian art is available as prints at the Naked Pastor Etsy Shop
As much as I would like to agree with the above article, I must state that this is about using bias against religious beliefs whether traditional or otherwise. This decision is for us as well. Do we want our own religious or non-religous beliefs to be disrespected and turned down because a state or official government agency is biased against us. I think that this decision needs to be seen as the right to believe and state what we believe as well as to live according to what we believe without a government agency not treating us in a neutral manner. Whatever the beliefs or non-beliefs of a person is, should have nothing to do with a decision regarding an issue that arises from a conflict. Each individual must be treated equally and without prejudice in deciding a case. The supreme court decision was a victory for all of us as we in our own community issues have been shown prejudice over many years in court decisions and not shown equality. Now that a decision that was not equality due to bias could not to stand. This is al this case is about. It is still not decided on discrimination in wedding vendors. Those are still to be decided.
I know that many may disagree, but we need to consider the ramifications. Since we know the bias against us in years past to protect others is also what we need to do. Let us continue to work for the freedom to live our lives without discrimination, but in ways that will also respect other’s viewpoints even those who disagree with us. Only in being able to do so will we receive and enjoy the life we have and be able to convince others to be with us as they are within their own groups.
“Deeply-held religious beliefs”…wasn’t this the same reason people of different racial and ethnic backgrounds were once not allowed to marry?
What about the “ deeply-held religious belief” that we are ALL redeemed by Christ and, therefore, worthy of love and understanding?
Isn’t that inclusive Love something we Christians strive for?
To borrow the church lady’s phrase…”isn’t that ( love) special?”