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Rally to support gay-cake row bakery

A RALLY in support of a Christian-owned bakery at the centre of the 'gay cake' row packed out Belfast's Waterfront Hall last night.

Thousands of people attended the event, ahead of tomorrow's legal challenge against the firm by the Equality Commission.

DUP MP Sammy Wilson and TUV leader Jim Allister attended.

Several hundred supporters who could not get into the hall sang hymns outside.

The commission has brought a civil case against Ashers Baking Company after it refused to bake a cake featuring Sesame Street characters Bert and Ernie with the slogan 'Support Gay Marriage'.

Members of the McArthur family, which owns the bakery, and representatives of the British-based Christian Institute attended the rally. The institute, which is supporting the company, has said most people in the north do not agree with the legal action.

The institute's director Colin Hart said: "We have overwhelmed by this incredible show of public support. "It is thought that as many as 500 had to be turned away due to lack of space in a venue which has a capacity of close to 2500. "We would like to apologise to those who were unable to secure seats but also wish to thank them for their support."

The two-day hearing, taken by the commission on behalf of the customer, is due in the High Court tomorrow and Friday.

On Monday, First Minister Peter Robinson accused the commission of spending up to £33,000 to seek court damages worth £500 from the bakery. He said better use could be made of the money. "The issue here is where there are competing rights, ensuring that there is reasonable accommodation. That is what the Equality Commission have missed in all of this," Mr Robinson said. "When you consider that they have set aside the potential of spending £33,000 on this court case where they are seeking damages of £500 against Ashers, there is a better use that could be put to that money, particularly in the tight fiscal situation the executive faces."

However, an Equality Commission spokesman said: "We can confirm that £8,586.60 has been spent on this case to date. The final costs will be not known until the case is concluded. We can also confirm that our legal funding committee has authorised expenditure not exceeding £33,000. "The Equality Commission has an important role in ensuring effective application of Northern Ireland's equality laws and supports cases so that people are aware of, and can avail of, the protection these laws afford against all forms of unlawful discrimination."