In 2017, Cathy Miller, the owner of Tastries Bakery, refused to design a custom wedding cake for Eileen and Mireya Rodriguez-Del Rio, a same-sex couple planning their wedding. Miller cited her Christian beliefs, stating that her faith prohibits her from endorsing same-sex marriage. Instead, she offered to refer the couple to another bakery for their cake needs. The couple viewed this as discriminatory, and the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) became involved. She offered to refer the couple, Eileen and Mireya Rodriguez-Del Rio, to another bakery.
The California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (now the Civil Rights Department) filed a lawsuit against Tastries, alleging violation of the Unruh Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation. In October 2022, Kern County Superior Court Judge Eric Bradshaw ruled in favor of Miller, stating she acted lawfully in accordance with her religious beliefs.
The state appealed this decision to the California Fifth District Court of Appeal in October 2023. As of December 2024, the case remains pending, with briefs filed by both parties and several civil rights groups submitting amicus briefs supporting the state’s position.
This case parallels other national cases involving the intersection of religious freedom and anti-discrimination laws, such as the Masterpiece Cakeshop case in Colorado. The outcome may have significant implications for the application of anti-discrimination laws to businesses with religious objections.
Timeline of the Case
- 2017: The couple files a complaint with the DFEH after Miller’s refusal. The case draws media attention and sparks national debates on religious liberty versus LGBTQ+ rights.
- 2018: A Kern County Superior Court judge initially rules in favor of Miller, granting her a temporary reprieve to continue her business practices while the case moves forward.
- 2021: The case goes to trial. Testimonies from both sides present the debate as a clash of civil rights versus religious freedom.
- October 2022: Judge Eric Bradshaw of the Kern County Superior Court rules in favor of Cathy Miller, concluding that forcing her to design a cake for a same-sex wedding would infringe on her constitutional rights. The ruling emphasizes Miller’s creative expression and religious beliefs as lawful grounds for her decision.
- October 2023: The California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (now renamed the Civil Rights Department) appeals the ruling to the California Fifth District Court of Appeal. The case is ongoing, with amicus briefs from civil rights groups supporting the couple’s position.
- December 2024: Miller and Becket will take their case to the Fifth District Court of Appeal. Oral arguments will start on December 17th. The case remains active, with potential to reach higher courts depending on the outcome.
