Statement by South Antrim TUV representative and party vice-chairman Richard Cairns:
“I welcome news today that Ashers are going to appeal last week’s judgment that they discriminated because they refused to bake a cake with a ‘support same sex marriage’ slogan as they believed it would have been an endorsement of a political campaign contrary to their religious beliefs.
“Ashers made it clear throughout that their problem was with this slogan, not the customer. It is surprising therefore that the judge made such a leap in her ruling that there was direct sexual discrimination.
“This case has serious and wide-ranging ramifications for freedom of speech, conscience and religion in Northern Ireland and throughout the UK.
“My thoughts are with the McArther family who have displayed great dignity and grace throughout this ordeal. Their decision to appeal the judgement will ensure that they remain in the limelight. I know that many people will, like I, remember them in prayer and continue to support their business.
“The huge public support for the company is illustrated by the fact that a petition urging Tescos to resist pressure to withdraw Ashers products from their shelves launched by my party colleague Samuel Morrison has attracted over 7,000 signatures in a single week. People can sign the petition online here.”