David vs Goliath: Christian Family Business vs The "Equality" Commission
#SupportAshers as they defend Christian ethics in the workplace
#SupportAshers as they defend Christian ethics in the workplace
CitizenGO started this petition to Daniel McArthur
Right now, Ashers Baking Co, in Northern Ireland, is facing a huge challenge. In May of 2014, Ashers refused to decorate a cake with the slogan, "Support Gay Marriage", because of their Christian beliefs.
Gareth Lee, the LGBT activist who had ordered the cake, subsequently reported the incident to the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland. And, after several months, the Commission decided to pursue legal action against Ashers, to force them to compensate Mr Lee on the grounds that he was allegedly discriminated against because of his sexual orientation.
If you watch the youtube video below, Daniel McArthur, the General Manager of Ashers Baking Co (and son of the founders, Collin and Karen), clearly says that Mr Lee's sexual orientation had nothing to do with their refusal to decorate the cake. Rather, Mr McArthur says that the refusal was a matter of conscience. In this particular instance, the McArthurs would not be forced to violate their own consciences and beliefs by advocating for a cause in which they do not believe (and which is contrary to the Bible).
Next week, the Ashers' case will be heard, so we would like to provide the McArthur Family (the owner-operators) a strong show of support with our petition. When you sign this petition, your name will be added to a list of those people who stand with the Ashers as they face this difficult trial. ***Please view the right-hand column on this page to read the note of support. We will forward on this message of support to the McArthur Family just before their case is heard.
And then, while the legal action is ongoing, CitizenGO may also launch an appeal for justice to the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland.
In the meantime, however, let's tell the McArthur Family to stand firm for religious freedom! It is their example, and examples like theirs, which gives hope to other Christian business men, women and families - that they, too, can operate their businesses while, at the same time, adhering to their religious beliefs.
Thank you, Ashers and the McArthur Family!
For more information:
Click on this YouTube link to watch Daniel McArthur (General Manager of Ashers Baking Co), in a Christian Institute video, give his side of the story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1OIMviO3eaE
Click here for more information on this story: http://www.christian.org.uk/news/legal-action-christian-bakers-in-gay-ca...
Click on this link to see the letter from the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland to Ashers Baking Co: http://www.christian.org.uk/wp-content/downloads/ashers-letter-hq.jpg
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Sign this petition now!
Thank you for standing up for Christian employers everywhere!
Dear Mr McArthur and All at Ashers Bakery,
I applaud Ashers Bakery for your bravery and courage as you prepare to face the unfair and unjust legal action taken against you by the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland on behalf of LGBT activist, Gareth Lee. The actions of Mr Lee, asking you to decorate a cake with the slogan, "Support Gay Marriage," seem provocative in the extreme, and a trap for any Christian who believes that marriage is reserved for the union of one man and one woman.
In the future, can we expect the Equality Commission to pursue cases against Muslim bakers who refuse to decorate a cake with the slogan, "Jesus Christ is Lord and Saviour", or to print images of Mohammed on the same? Where will this kind of religious persecution lead?
I stand with you as you enter this stressful time. But, at the same time, I am ever mindful of what the Psalmist has said: "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me". And, I hope you can take courage from that truth.
So, thank you again for persevering in the face of this trial, for you and your business. I am confident that your stand will give courage to other Christian business owners to continue to stick to their principles whatever the opposition.
Thank you for standing up for Christian employers everywhere!
Dear Mr McArthur and All at Ashers Bakery,
I applaud Ashers Bakery for your bravery and courage as you prepare to face the unfair and unjust legal action taken against you by the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland on behalf of LGBT activist, Gareth Lee. The actions of Mr Lee, asking you to decorate a cake with the slogan, "Support Gay Marriage," seem provocative in the extreme, and a trap for any Christian who believes that marriage is reserved for the union of one man and one woman.
In the future, can we expect the Equality Commission to pursue cases against Muslim bakers who refuse to decorate a cake with the slogan, "Jesus Christ is Lord and Saviour", or to print images of Mohammed on the same? Where will this kind of religious persecution lead?
I stand with you as you enter this stressful time. But, at the same time, I am ever mindful of what the Psalmist has said: "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me". And, I hope you can take courage from that truth.
So, thank you again for persevering in the face of this trial, for you and your business. I am confident that your stand will give courage to other Christian business owners to continue to stick to their principles whatever the opposition.
