SALT LAKE CITY — Today, Sutherland Institute’s Bill Duncan, director for The Center for Family and Society, released the following statement responding to the Supreme Court decision in Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission:

“Today’s decision from the Supreme Court in Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission emphasizes an important principle of nondiscrimination laws: equal application of the law,” Duncan said. “Combined with past Court decisions upholding the dignity of those in the LGBT community, today’s ruling reminds us that equality applies to all Americans, not just the favored few, and we must protect those with firmly held religious beliefs, members of the LGBTQ community, and all citizens alike.

“Animus undertaken in the name of any cause – religious freedom, LGBT equality, or any other – is and remains discrimination disavowed by American values and political principles.

“With their 7-2 decision, the Court also revealed that a reasonable coalition of both conservatives and liberals can recognize that the state has an interest in preventing discrimination and in preserving the First Amendment rights of people of faith. This principle of inclusion is a good guide for national and state policymakers going forward. Reasonable actors of all stripes ought to see today’s decision as an opportunity to elevate our dialogue, rather than retreating into ideological comfort zones, and seek out legal protections inclusive of everyone – even those with whom we disagree.”

Sutherland Institute will offer further analysis in op-ed form later in the week. To sign up to receive our newsletter with updates, click here.