I think reading this same coverage on the far opposite political side of the spectrum would be enlightening: https://thefederalist.com/2021/03/23/lgbt-activists-haul-jack-phillips-into-court-again-this-time-over-transgender-and-satan-cakes/

You should get some idea about the vexatious litigant, who does not appear to be operating in good faith. NPR has omitted some facts.

To me this looks like an open-and-shut case of freedom of speech (lack of government ability to compel) and religious freedom tied with a neat bow.

Jack Phillips isn't refusing goods or services to people, he's refusing to make very specific, custom artistic renditions, which are considered speech. He's not kicking people out of his business or refusing to sell them goods.

Ultimately, I don't see how sticking it to Phillips is somehow advancing the LGBTQ+ movement. It's just a narcissistic vendetta. The very first gay litigants may have been operating in good faith, but everything since is certainly not.

I disagree with Jack Phillips on the basis of his religion, which is a matter of faith, and I would not argue that with him. However, I am fond of Jack Phillips insofar as he has his principles and he's sticking with them--not rolling over or virtue signaling on something he knows, and we know, is bonkers.