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Owner of Masterpiece Bakery prepares for court battle in DC

Posted at 9:00 AM, Dec 01, 2017
and last updated 2017-12-03 08:56:38-05

DENVER -- Jack Phillips of the Masterpiece Cake Shop is getting ready for a road trip, far from his bakery in Lakewood.

His next stop? The U.S. Supreme Court, perhaps the final leg of a legal journey that began five years ago.

In 2012, Dave Mullins and Charlie Craig went to Jack's bakery, hoping to order a cake for their same sex wedding.   

Phillips refused, saying it violated his religious freedom and First Amendment rights. That decision is now sending the case to the highest court in the nation.

"The United States Supreme Court has decided the case is worth their time," said Phillips. "The government is supposed to be protecting our rights, not threatening our rights," he said.

Phillips isn't the fighting this case on his own.

Lawyers from Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative group, will join him.

"Anytime you're forcing an artist to create something that conflicts with what they hold dear -- that's a big deal,” said attorney Jim Campbell.

His lawyers said this not a case of refusing service, noting that Jack would sell the couple anything in the shop, but a custom made order draws the line.

"The First Amendment protects the rights of all artists and creative professionals to live and work consistent with their beliefs. So at the end of the day, that's what this case boils down to."

Phillips said the past decisions have hurt his business.

At a rally with his supporters, we asked him what he'll do if the Supreme Court rules against him?

"Umm... we'll see what happens when we get there," he said.

The court will hear the case on Tuesday morning.