NPR

Supreme Court Seems Split In Case Of Baker Vs. Same-Sex Couple; Eyes Now On Kennedy

The justices' decision could have huge implications for all retailers and service providers. And it will very likely come down to Justice Anthony Kennedy.
Demonstrators gather outside the Supreme Court on Tuesday as the justices heard arguments in a case about a Colorado baker who refused to create a cake for a same-sex wedding, citing moral objection.

All eyes were on Justice Anthony Kennedy Tuesday at a riveting Supreme Court argument where the issue was whether a baker may refuse to create a wedding cake for a same-sex couple.

Kennedy was the center of attention because, with the rest of the court appearing to be evenly split, he very likely will cast the deciding vote in the case. And he is the author of every major decision favoring gay rights that the Supreme Court has ever decided.

A Reagan appointee, Kennedy is at the same time a fierce defender of the First Amendment right of free speech and the free exercise of religion. But the clashes inherent in those rights appeared to prompt some conflicting

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