Debate over gay wedding cake heads to Colorado Supreme Court

A suburban Denver baker who refused to make a wedding cake for a same-sex couple is asking the Colorado Supreme Court to reverse judges’ rulings concluding that his decision amounts to discrimination.

Attorneys for Jack Phillips, owner of Masterpiece Cakeshop, filed the appeal Friday. They argue the government shouldn’t force Phillips to violate his Christian beliefs.

The Colorado Court of Appeals ruled against Phillips in August, saying his religious beliefs don’t exempt him from making cakes for gay weddings.

Phillips declined to make a cake in 2012 for Charlie Craig and David Mullins, who were married in Massachusetts but planned a celebration in Colorado.

Phillips faces fines if he loses the case. But his attorneys say they plan to appeal up to the U.S. Supreme Court.