Oregon’s Bakers Take Next Step in Fight For Conscience Rights, While Media Erroneously Claim Gay Victory

The two Oregon cake-makers fined by the state for not selling a cake with a pro-gay message to a lesbian couple are fighting for their legal rights, amid misleading media reports.

 

The cake-makers issued their new statement after media reports erroneously claimed that a bond-like payment of almost $140,000 lodged with a state agency marks the surrender of their lawsuit.

 

A statement from the family’s lawyer, Tyler Smith, says:

 

Aaron and Melissa Klein are devoted to honoring God in every aspect of their lives, including how they conduct themselves in this litigation.

 

Oregon law requires that as they appeal the Oregon government’s decision denying them their First Amendment rights, they must either pay the amount imposed by the Oregon government, or obtain a bond for the amount of the judgment. The least expensive option to stay in compliance with the law was to pay the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries funds that will be kept in a separate account until they prevail in their court appeal.

 

Aaron and Melissa will continue to work to ensure that every American has the First Amendment right to express their faith-based beliefs, and to conduct their daily affairs according to their conscience.

 

The Kleins owned a bakery, Sweet Cakes by Melissa. In 2013, two lesbians ordered a wedding cake. When Aaron explained that they don’t make wedding cakes conveying messages that contradict their Christian beliefs on marriage, the women filed a complaint, which was picked up by Oregon’s Bureau of Labor and Industries regulatory agency.

 

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