Autoplay Next video from Max length

Discussing the Masterpiece Cakeshop Case

4,214 views · Published 1 May 2018 · 59:49 · Indexed 31 October 2026

Channel: Ayn Rand Institute · 2018 · Nonprofits & Activism

In 2012, a Christian baker in Denver refused to sell a wedding cake to a gay couple. He saw it as an exercise of his religious freedom. They saw it as a violation of their civil rights.

The couple filed a complaint under Colorado’s anti-discrimination laws. Now the case is before the U.S. Supreme Court, which heard arguments on December 5, 2017.

The Ayn Rand Institute's Onkar Ghate, Steve Simpson, and Elan Journo unpack the crucial legal and philosophical issues of this fascinating case. Among other questions they cover:
• Is this a free speech case, a religious liberties case, or something else?
• Should businesses have the right to refuse service to those with whom they disagree?
• What does intellectual freedom require and why is it important?
•What’s the worst violation of intellectual freedom in America today?
• Why are conflicts like this one inevitable today?

The case, Masterpiece Cakeshop, Ltd. v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission, will be decided by the end of June 2018. Watch this video today to find out what’s really at stake in this important case. And here are more resources:

RACISM, by Ayn Rand
https://campus.aynrand.org/works/1963/01/01/racism

THOUGHT CONTROL, by Onkar Ghate
https://ari.aynrand.org/issues/government-and-business/individual-rights/Thought-Control

FREE SPEECH ON CAMPUS, by Onkar Ghate
https://ari.aynrand.org/issues/culture-and-society/education--multiculturalism/Free-Speech-on-Campus

MASTERPIECE CAKESHOP V. COLORADO CIVIL RIGHTS COMMISSION
http://www.scotusblog.com/case-files/cases/masterpiece-cakeshop-ltd-v-colorado-civil-rights-commn

SUBSCRIBE TO ARI’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL
https://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=AynRandInstitute

ABOUT THE AYN RAND INSTITUTE
ARI offers educational experiences, based on Ayn Rand's books and ideas, to a variety of audiences, including students, educators, policymakers and lifelong learners. ARI also engages in research and advocacy efforts, applying Rand's ideas to current issues and seeking to promote her philosophical principles of reason, rational self-interest and laissez-faire capitalism. We invite you to explore how Ayn Rand viewed the world — and to consider the distinctive insights offered by ARI's experts today.

SUPPORT ARI WITH A DONATION
https://ari.aynrand.org/donate/creditcard

EXPLORE ARI
http://www.AynRand.org

FOLLOW ARI ON TWITTER
https://twitter.com/AynRandInst

LIKE ARI ON FACEBOOK
https://www.facebook.com/AynRandInstitute

EXPLORE ARI CAMPUS
https://campus.aynrand.org/

INFORMATION ABOUT OBJECTIVIST SUMMER CONFERENCES
http://objectivistconferences.com/

LEARN ABOUT AYN RAND STUDENT CONFERENCES
http://aynrandcon.org/