Federalist Society and Stetson Democrats host debate on Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission

(L-R): Professor Louis Virelli took and Professor Richard Duncan. Photo by Merve Ozcan.

By Bianca Lopez

The Federalist Society and Stetson Democrats hosted a debate on Monday, March 19 deliberating the Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission case from this year’s Supreme Court docket.

The case involves a same-sex couple, Charlie Craig and David Mullins, who attempted to order a custom wedding cake from baker Jack Phillips. Phillips declined the order, claiming it was due to his religious beliefs. The question before the Supreme Court is whether Colorado’s public accommodations law violates Phillips’ First Amendment rights.

Professor Louis Virelli took the position of the Colorado Civil Rights Commission and Professor Richard Duncan, a visitor from the University of Nebraska, spoke on the side of the Masterpiece Cakeshop.

Stetson student and president of the Federalist Society, Max Yarus, introduced the debaters. Duncan opened the debate, arguing that Phillips’ cake decorating is art and art, as an expression under the First Amendment, cannot be compelled. Virelli argued that there must be a line for what may be considered expression, and food does not apply because no one would look at the cake and connect it to Phillips or any support of same-sex marriage.

The event ended with a question and answer portion – in the theme of a “fireside chat” – with both debaters seated in large chairs and speaking directly with the audience.