A Portland-area bakery recently refused to sell a wedding cake to a lesbian couple based on their religious objections to same-sex marriage. As I told KOIN-TV this weekend, the response wasn't Christian but discriminatory.
Let's be clear: homosexuality is not a sin. Bigotry is. A generation ago - when Barack Obama's parents were married - interracial marriage was illegal in many states and businesses refused to accommodate interracial couples. These private businesses often used the Bible to justify their discriminatory acts.
This incident is no different. Oregon law protects gays and lesbians from discrimination. A private business has no right to discriminate against someone based on their sexual orientation. The Oregon Department of Justice is now investigating. They will determine whether or not a crime has been committed.
But certainly a sin has been committed by the owners of Sweet Cakes Bakery. Their website says they make cakes for "any occasion." Unless you are gay, apparently. What they have done is no different from those who a generation ago turned away interracial couples. As a minister ordained to preach and teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, I find no place in Holy Scripture that justifies such discrimination. My hope is that the owners of the bakery have an opportunity to prayerfully reflect on this issue and repent.
For The Love Of All Creation: A Sermon On Genesis 1:1-2:4a for Pride Month 2011 from The Rev. Chuck Currie on Vimeo.
