'This undermines democratic, religious freedom and free speech': Christian bakers who refused to make a pro-gay marriage cake lose their appeal case and now face £88,000 costs bill

The owners of Belfast-based Ashers Bakery declined an order placed by gay activist Gareth Lee, claiming the message was inconsistent with their deeply held religious beliefs. Last year, they were found to have breached equality legislation following a high-profile court case in Belfast. 


The appeal was heard before three senior judges at Belfast's Court of Appeal in May, with the reserved judgment delivered this morning. Mr Lee, a member of the LGBT advocacy group Queer Space, had wanted a cake featuring Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie with the phrase 'Support Gay Marriage' for a private function marking International Day Against Homophobia.