The third CJEU moot court was organized by the Research Unit “European Policies and Democracy” (the predecessor of CEDLAW) in cooperation with the Department of International and European Studies of the University of Macedonia and, for the first time, with the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Law School, and it concerned a request for a preliminary ruling on non-discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. It took place on Wednesday December 19, 2018, from 11.00 to 13.00 in the court room of the Administrative Court of Appeals of Thessaloniki.
The couple’s advocates (Maria Chatzisavidou, Emilios Hatzidimitriou) argued that this was a case of direct discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, and based this argument on the principle of equality and on the Charter of Fundamental Rights (prohibition of discrimination). They requested proportional application of Directive 113/2004 (equal treatment of sexes), arguing at the same time that there is no question of a violation of religious freedom since the cake is not an element inextricably linked to the ceremony of marriage.
The baker’s advocates (Sotiria Koutsinta, Eleftheria Papadopoulou) argued that the question referred for a preliminary ruling is irrelevant, drawing arguments from the Constitution of Greece, the Charter of Fundamental Rights, and the European Directive 2000/78. They added that the creation of the wedding cake is an art form protected by the Constitution of Greece, and that the cake is a vital element of the marriage of marriage because of its long-term use, arguing that if the baker was forced to make it, it would violate his right to religious freedom.
The delegates of the European Commission (Danai Klonari, Ino Terzi) argued that there was no direct discrimination against the couple on the basis of sexual orientation but an indirect one, as the baker’s decision disproportionately affected homosexual couples. They also stated that indirect discrimination is not justified because of the legitimate aim (religious freedom of the baker), as there were other means of dealing with the issue.
The representatives of Greece (Sofia Safarova, Pelagia Tsalabouni) were in favor of the baker, quoting the Constitution and the intensity of the religious element in Greek society. They also mentioned the rights of freedom of thought, conscience, and religion of the Charter of Fundamental Rights, concluding that the baker’s actions were necessary for the smooth development of his personality and his religious freedom. They also stressed that Article 21 of the Charter on non-discrimination cannot be applied in this case, as it is a general principle and requires secondary European Union law in order to be in effect, which does not exist.
The representatives of Ireland (Christianna Theodorakis – Brouvaki, Maria Kilinkaridou) supported the couple, arguing that there was discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. Their claims were based on the argument of non-discrimination in the context of offering a service and on the fact that homosexuals are now fully integrated into the society on the grounds of the case law of the European Court of Human Rights.
The Advocate General (Polyxeni Skoutida) supported the baker, arguing that his refusal to make the wedding cake was based on his religious freedom and his freedom to conduct a business to an extent that does not exceed the scope of the principle of proportionality.