Warkworth woman refuses to bake cake for same-sex wedding

Ms Barr and Ms Patrick. Photo credit: Facebook

A Warkworth baker has ignited controversy after refusing to bake a cake for a same-sex wedding.

Moe Barr and her partner Sasha Patrick enquired about getting their wedding cake made by Kath's Devine Cakes, but the business owner declined to make the order.

"I do not wish to offend either of you and I thank you for letting me know that it is a same-sex wedding," she wrote.

"Even though as individuals you are both fabulous and amazing people, I must follow the integrity of my heart and beliefs.

"Our Government has legalised same-sex marriages, but it is not my belief that it is correct, therefore I will not support you and cannot make your wedding cake for you."

The pair were left shocked by the message.

"We were really surprised to get that email," Ms Patrick told Stuff.

"We've been really open about the fact that it's a same-sex wedding and had absolutely no problems with any of the other vendors. You just don't expect to get a response like that these days."

New Zealand's Human Rights Act states it is unlawful to discriminate against anyone due to sexual orientation.

It does however allow for freedom of religious expression and beliefs.

Ms Barr posted an image of the woman's reply on Facebook and said customers should avoid the store if they supported marriage equality.

A barrage of comments supporting Ms Barr and her fiancée quickly followed. People are now posting directly to the cake makers page in support of Ms Barr and Ms Patrick.

The situation is similar to a case in the US where a baker declined to make a cake for a male same sex couple's wedding.

Jack Phillips' wish to be able to deny making cakes for same sex couples eventually made its way to the Supreme Court, who ruled in favour of the Christian baker.

Newshub has contacted Kath's Devine Cakes for comment.

Newshub.

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