The gay trouble maker did not sue the bakers under contract law, he sued them under the Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations (Northern Ireland)2006, claiming he had been discriminated against contrary to its provisions. The Act defines discrimination as 'on grounds of sexual orientation, person A treats person B less favourably than he treats other persons'. Clearly the bakers would have treated a straight man in exactly the same way if he had asked for the same wording on the cake. Obviously not guilty m'lud.

Can't wait for the first Islamic country to approve it - or even make being gay legal, or perhaps dropping the death penalty and long imprisonment sentences that are meted out to gay people.

When have I mocked gay people? And are you suggesting I support Islamic persecution of gay people, or indeed any persecution of gay people?

Just present some evidence. I do view gay people as equals. The judgement annoys me because it is wrong, the bakers did not discriminate. Most posts in this thread have mocked Christians - I view them as equals too (and Muslims come to that). However, I do reserve the right to mock whoever I like.

Edited by derben (23 May 2015 6.03pm)

Of course your comparisons were all valid and mild?

Surely you can see that the setting up of gay towns was a joke? Although I would think some the more extreme gay activists would think it a good idea!

My view of gay 'marriage': They can enter into any form of partnership they like as long as it is legal (same sex-marriage is not in Northern Ireland). I have no strong views about it, good luck to them. I personally do not think such unions are true marriages, as a marriage is between a man and a woman; but if it makes them happy to call it a marriage, fine. They can have all the legal benefits that arise from being married, but they should not expect everyone to consider them as married in the real sense of the word.

Businesses should not be forced to get involved in political controversies and should not be prosecuted for discrimination when no discrimination took place.

Edited by derben (23 May 2015 6.45pm)

I fully accept that you have not mocked religion, I was thinking of one or two comments made by other posters. By the way, I am not religious myself. However, I do think there are double standards operating in society as Christian beliefs and standards are readily mocked and eroded whereas other religions are given every indulgence.

Wouldn't hold your breath on Northern Ireland allowing it while the DUP holds sway there.

If not 'gay marriage' cakes, extreme gay rights activists will want 'gay positive discrimination' cakes or something similar, or perhaps 'homophobics should be imprisoned' cakes, and no doubt the likes of Isobel Brownlie will support them.

I agree that our children and grandchildren will look back on stuff and be perplexed with the likes of Carol Thatcher being sacked, the John Terry show trial by the FA, an eighty-five-year-old woman being handcuffed and arrested for saying 'go back to your own country' to some people, etc.