Capitol Hill Report — 7/28/17

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Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission
 
Cake baker, Jack Phillips from Colorado, was asked in 2012 to bake a cake for a same-sex wedding ceremony.  After saying that he was unable to design a cake that would violate his beliefs, the couple filed a complaint with the Colorado Civil Rights Commission.  Phillips was ordered to re-educate his staff by implementing new policies and file quarterly “compliance” reports to show that he is complying with the orders.  The Supreme Court has decided to review this case later this year. 
 
Arlene’s Flowers v. State of Washington/Arlene’s Flowers v. Ingersoll
 
Like Jack Phillips, Baronelle Stutzman declined to use her creative abilities to design flower arrangements for a same-sex wedding ceremony in 2013 because of her sincerely held beliefs.  The American Civil Liberties Union, representing the couple, and the State of Washington have brought cases against her.  Alliance Defending Freedom, who is representing Stutzman, has asked the Supreme to consolidate this case with the Masterpiece Cakeshop case because of their similarities.
 
City of Bloomfield v. Felix
 
Two local Bloomfield, New Mexico residents filed suit through the American Civil Liberties Union because of their offense to a Ten Commandments monument at City Hall.  This monument was a privately-funded statue that was created as an effort to beautify the city.  It stood among other monuments that represented significant historical documents such as the Declaration of Independence, the Gettysburg Address, and the Bill of Rights. The residents claimed they were “offended,” however, being offended should not be standing to sue. This case was appealed to the Supreme Court earlier this month.