The Supreme Court of the United States has declined to hear the case of Catharine Miller and Cathy’s Creations, Inc. v. Civil Rights Department, leaving in place a California appellate court ruling that found Miller’s bakery discriminated against a same-sex couple.
The legal dispute began in 2017, when Miller, owner of Tastries Bakery in Bakersfield, refused to bake a wedding cake for a gay couple, citing her Christian beliefs about same-sex marriage. Miller referred the couple to another bakery, but the couple filed a lawsuit alleging they were denied equal service based on their sexual orientation.
In February, the California appeals court overturned a prior ruling favoring Miller, stating that her refusal to sell a predesigned, multipurpose cake for the wedding constituted intentional discrimination. The Supreme Court’s decision not to review the case means that ruling now stands.
The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) praised the decision, with Director Kevin Kish saying, “Every Californian is entitled to full and equal services at businesses in our state. You cannot deny someone service by claiming a predesigned, multipurpose cake is protected speech.”
Miller responded, expressing disappointment but reaffirming her faith: “I’m disappointed the Court chose not to take my case, but my trust remains in Jesus Christ. I will continue using my creative skills to bless others and reflect my faith in Jesus.”
The case highlights ongoing tensions between religious freedom and civil rights protections in business practices in California.
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