Photo by Alliance Defending Freedom.
In 2012, a Denver baker named Jack Phillips made a decision that would spark one of the most important religious liberty cases in recent American history. A same-sex couple asked Phillips, the owner of Masterpiece Cakeshop, to design a custom cake celebrating their wedding. Phillips politely declined—not because he refused to serve them, but because creating that message would violate his Christian convictions. He offered to sell them any cake already in the shop, but he would not use his artistic talents to express a message he believed was untrue.
What followed was years of legal and personal attacks. Phillips was targeted by the Colorado Civil Rights Commission, faced lawsuits, endured online harassment, and even received death threats against himself and his family. Eventually, his case reached the U.S. Supreme Court and became a major test of the rights of conscience and religious freedom in America.
During those years, Phillips also faced criticism from many unexpected sources—including some fellow Christians. Critics argued that he should simply “bake the cake,” and some even claimed that Jesus would have done so. But Phillips stood firm, believing that Christians are called to live by the truth revealed in Scripture. Jack Phillips’ refusal was never about refusing service to people. The issue was whether the government could compel him to create speech that violated his conscience. As attorney Kristen Waggoner of Alliance Defending Freedom explained, when the government can force someone to express a message they believe is false, there is effectively no limit to government power over speech.
Phillips’ courage has had ripple effects far beyond one bakery in Colorado. Many people have drawn inspiration from his example, finding the strength to stand by their convictions in difficult circumstances. His story has encouraged Christians to live faithfully and to defend the freedom to speak and live according to truth. His legal victories have helped pave the way for new and better court decisions on the First Amendment. As we continue to fight the battle for free speech and religious liberty, especially with help from the Trump Administration, the lesson from Jack Phillips’ story is simple: courage begets courage. Boldness for the truth is always the right answer.
If you want to speak up boldly for the truth, join with us at PhyllisSchlafly.com. Find incredible resources and a thriving community with the Eagles, again that’s PhyllisSchlafly.com. Thanks for listening and join us again for the Phyllis Schlafly Report.
