The Christian owners of a bakery who refused to make a cake with a pro-gay marriage message were not being forced to do anything against their beliefs, an Equality Commission lawyer has said.

Christian bakers who refused to make a cake with a pro-gay marriage slogan are expected to return to court in Belfast today for an appeal.

A bakery in the North found to have discriminated against a gay man has been vandalised and critical letters sent to its owner.