Err.. We are talking marriage in Northern Ireland. If my husband and I, who were married in the Netherlands and live in Scotland are in Northern Ireland, as we were last year, we are a married couple there, recognised as such and every bit as legitimate as in any other EU country, including those that do not carry out the ceremony, such as, till later this week, Eire.

To say what next, marry your dog? is rather sick. I am married. Does anybody have any issue with that? Perhaps it a legitimate view to say I don't recognise Joe Offer's marriage, or Keith A of Hertford's marriage? I don't though. I recognise their marriage and hope they recognise mine. It is the least anybody can ask of society, a little word called respect.

I think the bakery is a business. That has a legal status. It means undertaking to work within the law. The judge saw this. Bill, your post above is awful. Perhaps Hallmark cards should just sell blank cards and a felt tip to inter racial couples who need cards? How about a selection that disabled people must only buy from?

If being in business goes against your beliefs, don't offer goods or services to the public because equality laws say, quite rightly that you offer goods or services irrespective of gender, race, ethnicity, disability or sexual orientation.

I have problems seeing how this thread is even debatable? Have those who support the bakery's stance thought about what they are supporting? The right to discriminate on the basis of religion. Religion that is protected from discrimination by the same laws. Nowhere does it say you can discriminate because your imaginary friend tells you to. Wicked old men in frocks are telling you to...