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A Christian-run bakery that refused a customer's request to make a cake with a slogan supporting gay marriage rights could face legal action.
Ashers Baking Company declined an order from a gay rights activist, asking for cake featuring the Sesame Street puppets, Bert and Ernie.
The customer also wanted it to feature the logo "Queerspace", a Belfast-based campaign and support group.
The County Antrim firm could face legal action from the Equality Commission.
The watchdog confirmed it is assisting the customer whose order was refused and has written to the baking company on his behalf.
The bakery, which has been operating for more than 20 years, is run by the McArthur family.
In an online statement, general manager for the company, Daniel McArthur said: "The directors and myself looked at it and considered it and thought that this order was at odds with our beliefs.
"The following Monday we rang up the customer to let him know we couldn't take his order."
The Christian Institute said it is supporting the bakery in the stance it has taken.
In a statement, The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland said: "In this case the commission has granted assistance to the complainant, and has written to the company concerned on his behalf.
"The commission will consider any response before taking further action.
Northern Ireland is now the only part of the UK which has not passed a law to introduce same-sex marriage.
Ashers Baking Company declined an order from a gay rights activist, asking for cake featuring the Sesame Street puppets, Bert and Ernie.
The customer also wanted it to feature the logo "Queerspace", a Belfast-based campaign and support group.
The County Antrim firm could face legal action from the Equality Commission.
The watchdog confirmed it is assisting the customer whose order was refused and has written to the baking company on his behalf.
The bakery, which has been operating for more than 20 years, is run by the McArthur family.
In an online statement, general manager for the company, Daniel McArthur said: "The directors and myself looked at it and considered it and thought that this order was at odds with our beliefs.
"The following Monday we rang up the customer to let him know we couldn't take his order."
The Christian Institute said it is supporting the bakery in the stance it has taken.
In a statement, The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland said: "In this case the commission has granted assistance to the complainant, and has written to the company concerned on his behalf.
"The commission will consider any response before taking further action.
Northern Ireland is now the only part of the UK which has not passed a law to introduce same-sex marriage.
Irony of ironies...
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