/ Modified jun 7, 2018 10:20 a.m.

Arizona Court Rules for Phoenix on Same-Sex Wedding Invitations

The city ordinance prohibits businesses from discriminating based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Arizona Appeals seal spot Seal of the Arizona Court of Appeals.
Courtesy Office of Gov. Doug Ducey

PHOENIX — An Arizona court on Thursday upheld Phoenix's anti-discrimination ordinance, denying a challenge from wedding-invitation business owners claiming the local law violates freedom of religion by compelling them to cater to same-sex couples.

The state Court of Appeals' ruling upholds a trial judge's October denial of the business owners' request for a preliminary injunction barring enforcement of the ordinance.

The Phoenix anti-discrimination ordinance prohibits businesses from discriminating based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Monday for a Colorado baker who wouldn't make a wedding cake for a same-sex couple. That decision didn't decide the larger issue of whether a business can invoke religious objections to refuse service to gay and lesbian people.

The Arizona ruling can be appealed to the state Supreme Court.

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