Justice Anthony Kennedy. (Photo: Diego M. Radzinschi / NLJ) win a majority of justices Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission decided 7-2 so all eyes were on him

Kennedy: Commissioner Hess says freedom of religion used to justify discrimination is a despicable piece of rhetoric. Did the commission ever disavow or disapprove of that statement?

Yarger: There were no further proceedings in which the commission disavowed or disapproved of that statement.

Kennedy: Do you disavow or disapprove of that statement?

Yarger: I would not have counseled my client to make that statement.

Kennedy: Suppose we thought that in significant part at least one member of the commission based the commissioner's decision on the grounds of hostility to religion. Could your judgment then stand?

Yarger: Your Honor, I don't think that one statement by the commissioner, assuming it reveals bias—

Kennedy: Well, suppose we thought there was a significant aspect of hostility to a religion in this case. Could your judgment stand?

Yarger: Your honor, if there was evidence that the entire proceeding was begun because of an intent to single out religious people, absolutely, that would be a problem.