Ashers’ so-called ‘gay cake’ case has been referred to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).
The Christian run bakery declined a £36.50 cake order from gay activist Gareth Lee in May 2014 as the message was contrary to its religious beliefs.
Last year, the firm won the appeal at the UK Supreme Court, but Mr Lee’s challenge will argue that the Supreme Court ‘failed to give appropriate weight’ to him under the European Convention of Human Rights.
Mr Lee had ordered a cake with the slogan ‘Support Gay Marriage’ alongside two images of Sesame Street characters Bert and Ernie.
The application for the challenge against the United Kingdom was lodged within the six-month time limit for appeals.
The Christian Institute, which has supported Ashers, said the latest legal challenge was unlikely to overturn the central aspect of the Supreme Court judgment.
Mr Lee is not taking Ashers to court, and the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland is not supporting the case.
Mr Lee will be represented by Phoenix Law’s Ciaran Moynagh.
The European Court of Human Rights is not a European Union institution, meaning any court case would be unaffected by Brexit.
