A BAKERY that refused to make a cake featuring the slogan "support gay marriage" alongside a picture of Sesame Street characters Bert and Ernie could end up in court, it has been reported.

The Newtownabbey-based bakery is understood to have been sent a letter from the Equality Commission threatening legal action if it refuses to print the icing on the cake.

Ashers Baking Co in Northern Ireland, where gay marriage is not legal, is said to be run by Christians who refused the order because it went against the directors' religious beliefs.

The Christian Institute, which said the request for the cake was made in May by a "volunteer LGBT activist", said it is supporting the bakery because "the case proves the need for the law to reasonably accommodate family-run businesses with firmly held beliefs".

The charity added: "When the order came through to the head office, the manager and directors decided to decline the request on conscience grounds, and offered a full refund."

The Equality Commission is reported to have told the firm that not printing the cake amounts to discrimination.

Online Editors