Christian baker faces legal action for refusing to bake cake supporting gay marriage

A Christian bakery owner who refused to make a cake with a slogan supporting gay marriage says he has been threatened with legal action.

Ashers, based in Northern Ireland, declined the order in Belfast earlier this year. The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland then took on the case on behalf of the customer.

The bakery manager says he has now received a letter claiming he has breached legislation and that he will face legal moves if compensation is not offered.

Ashers Baking Company said it had declined the request because it was "at odds" with its Christian beliefs.

The cake was ordered for an International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia event in May, and another bakery accepted the order after Ashers declined.

In a video posted to The Christian Institute web page, Ashers general manager Daniel McArthur defends the company's decision to refuse the order.