Two weeks ago, David Mullins and Charlie Craig didn’t think much would come from the Facebook post they wrote condemning a Lakewood bakery that refused to make a cake for their same-sex wedding reception.

But, as word spread, their story sparked thousands to rally around the couple — and around Masterpiece Cakeshop owner Jack Phillips, who turned the two away for religious reasons.

Some supporters of Mullins and Craig had heard about their Facebook post and organized a protest Saturday afternoon outside the cake shop to encourage Phillips to end his gay-wedding-cake ban.

“The vast majority of the response has been overwhelmingly positive,” Mullins said. “I was hoping some friends might call them (Masterpiece Cakeshop), then 12 hours later the Westword is calling me.

“We’ve seen support from every state and every continent,” he added.

In a statement, the couple said the July 19 incident was the first time either of them had been turned away from a business because of their sexual orientation, calling the situation “dehumanizing,” “awkward” and “painful.”

“It (support) has turned one of the most profoundly negative experiences of our lives into a joyous affirmation of our love and commitment,” the statement read.

The couple has been together for two years and engaged for six months. Their Providence, Mass., wedding is set for Sept. 16, and a local reception will be held a few weeks later.

While people gathered outside waving rainbow flags and holding “Let them eat cake” signs Saturday, the scene inside Masterpiece Cakeshop was pretty typical of a weekend afternoon, as patrons lined up to take samples and pick up orders.

Phillips, who has been a Lakewood resident since “before there even was a Lakewood,” opened the cake shop 19 years ago.

Though it’s not the first time Phillips has turned down an order for a same-sex wedding cake, he said the response has been more widespread this time around.

Phillips said he received more negative phone calls in the first few days but that most people who have come in or called recently share messages of support.

“When I do a cake for a first birthday party, I imagine the family gathered around taking pictures and laughing. When I do a graduation cake, I think of all the hard work it took to get them there,” Phillips said. “I feel like I’m part of the celebration, and I can’t take part in that kind of celebration (a same-sex wedding).”

Despite the protest, Phillips said he doesn’t plan on lifting his ban.

“I’m not going to change my business because of a petition,” Phillips said. “I’m just going to do the best I can do to honor Jesus Christ.”

Erin Udell: 303-954-1223, eudell@denverpost.com