Who are you in relation to this conflict between civil rights and civil liberties?

1. If you were a Supreme Court Justice, whose rights would you vote to protect: the same-

sex couple’s right to not be discriminated against OR the baker’s right to freely exercise

his religion? Why?

The case you are referring to is Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights

Commission. In this case, a baker refused to make a wedding cake for a same-sex couple

based on his religious beliefs. The couple filed a complaint with the Colorado Civil

Rights Commission, which found that the baker had violated Colorado's anti-

discrimination law. If I were a Supreme Court Justice, I would be guided by the

principles of the Constitution and the law. In this case, the question would be whether the

baker's religious freedom outweighs the couple's right to be free from discrimination. The

Supreme Court ultimately ruled in favor of the baker, but on narrow grounds related to

the conduct of the Colorado Civil Rights Commission. The Court did not address the

broader question of whether businesses can claim a religious exemption from anti-

discrimination laws. It is worth noting that there are different views on the balance

between religious freedom and non-discrimination. Some argue that religious freedom

should be protected at all costs, while others believe that it should not be used as a

justification for discrimination. Ultimately, it is up to the courts and society to determine

how to balance these competing interests.

2. Does your choice have anything to do with your personal religious beliefs or your sexual

orientation/identity?

In theory, as a judge, my personal beliefs or identity could potentially influence my

decision-making in a case involving discrimination and religious freedom. Judges are

 human beings, and like any person, they may have personal beliefs and experiences that

could shape their views and interpretations of the law. However, judges are also expected

to set aside their personal beliefs and biases when making judicial decisions and to base

their decisions solely on the law and the facts of the case. This is essential to maintaining

the impartiality and fairness of the judicial system. Therefore, a judge's personal beliefs

or identity should not influence their decision in a case involving discrimination and

religious freedom. Rather, their decision should be based solely on the principles of the

Constitution and the applicable laws, as well as the facts of the case presented before

them.

3. Would your choice change if your religious beliefs or your personal sexual

orientation/identity were different?

It is possible that a person's religious beliefs or personal sexual orientation/identity could

influence their views on issues related to discrimination and religious freedom, and

therefore potentially affect their judgment in a case, which is so possible with me too as a

human being full of emotions. For example, a judge who strongly identifies with a

particular religious tradition may have a different interpretation of the Constitution and

the law than a judge who does not share that same religious tradition. Similarly, a judge

who belongs to a minority group that has experienced discrimination may be more

sensitive to issues related to discrimination and more likely to interpret the law in a way

that protects against discrimination. However, it is important to note that judges are

expected to be impartial and to apply the law objectively, regardless of their personal

beliefs or identity. Judges are bound by legal precedent and are required to base their

decisions on the facts of the case and the applicable law, rather than on personal biases or
beliefs. Therefore, while a judge's personal beliefs or identity may influence their views,

it should not override their duty to uphold the principles of the Constitution and the law.