Ashers Baking Company, the business at the centre of the ‘gay cake’ row, has outlined the grounds which it will appeal over.

The family run bakery lost a court case after it was found guilty of discrimination against customer, Gareth Lee, for refusing to make a cake order with a pro-gay marriage slogan.

The owners of the Belfast bakery, the McArthur family, have since said they would appeal the judgement. Lawyers for the family will ask:

  • Whether the judge was correct, as a matter of law, to hold that Ashers had discriminated against Mr Lee directly on grounds of sexual orientation.
  • Whether the judge was correct, as a matter of law, to hold that Ashers had discriminated against Mr Lee directly on grounds of religious belief or political opinion.
  • Whether the judge was correct, as a matter of law, to hold that Ashers was not entitled to protection as a result of the rights under Articles 9 and/or 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Throughout the case, the McArthurs were supported by the Christian Institute, which paid their defence costs.

Simon Calvert of the Christian Institute, said: "There is huge public support for an appeal and it is vitally important that the higher courts consider this issue.

"This court decision will have dramatic consequences if it goes unchallenged."

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