The Sweet Cakes case has come to an end for two bakers who declined to serve gay couple who sought a cake and inscription for their wedding.
Small business owners Melissa and Aaron Klein ignited a national firestorm by refusing to serve the lesbian couple, citing their conscience forbade them from serving them. The ensuing court case filed against the Kleins became a litmus test for freedom of religion.
Now, an Oregon court has issued a ruling adverse to the Kleins: They must pay the $135,000 fine to the offended party for “emotional damages,” upholding a prior court ruling.
Oregon Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian issued the $135,000 in damages to a lesbian couple in July 2015. Their payment was held in government escrow pending the final ruling in the case.
The Kleins were forced to shutter their business after the raging controversy; recently, they shut down their online business as well.
“We lost everything we loved and worked so hard to build,” Melissa Klein said. “I loved my shop. It meant everything to me and losing it has been so hard for me and my family.”
First Liberty Institute condemned the Oregon court’s decision.
“We believe that freedom of expression for ourselves means freedom of expression for others,” Mike Berry said to KATU. “And what’s unfortunate here is that a family and their business has been punished because of their religious beliefs. And that’s not America. That’s just flat out wrong.”
Now, Americans can only wonder.
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