Title
Approval of a Resolution Affirming Olympia's Commitment to Nondiscrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Authorizing the Mayor to Support and Join, on the City's Behalf, an Amicus Brief in the United States Supreme Court Opposing Discrimination in Public Accommodations for Same Sex Couples
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the Resolution Affirming Olympia's Commitment to Nondiscrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Authorizing the Mayor to Support and Join, on the City's Behalf, an Amicus Brief in the United States Supreme Court Opposing Discrimination in Public Accommodations for Same Sex Couples.
Report
Issue:
Whether the City Council should approve a resolution supporting an amicus brief filed in the Masterpiece Cakeshop, Ltd. v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission case pending before the U.S. Supreme Court.
Staff Contact:
Mark Barber, City Attorney, 360.753.8338
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar item.
Background and Analysis:
The United States Supreme Court will hear oral argument in the Fall 2017 term in a pending case entitled Masterpiece Cakeshop, Ltd. v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission, which issue centers on whether a creative business can refuse service due to its First Amendment rights of free speech and free exercise of religion in light of public accommodation laws, and in particular, by refusing to provide creative services, such as a custom wedding cake, for same-sex marriage ceremonies on the basis of one's religious beliefs.
In 2015, the United States Supreme Court ruled in Obergefell v. Hodges that marriage is a fundamental right that extends to same-sex couples. Colorado, like Washington, is one of twenty-one (21) states that have anti-discrimination laws against sexual orientation.
Masterpiece Cakeshop, Ltd. petitioned the United States Supreme Court for review of the following question: whether application of Colorado's publi...
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