Bakery Who Refused Wedding Cake to Lesbian Couple Faces Bankruptcy

In 2013 an Oregon based bakery ‘Sweet Cakes’ made news headlines when owners Aaron and Melissa Klein refused to make a wedding cake for a customer because they were a lesbian, siting ‘religious reason’ for doing so. The couple have since closed their bakery and now operate exclusively online from their home.

This week, however, they face a court hearing on October 7th, and could face fines as high as $150,00 that could leave them bankrupt. State investigators found that the case was a gross violation of the lesbian couples civil rights as Oregon state law bans discrimination against LGBT people in businesses.

When speaking recently at the Values Voters Summit in Washington DC told audiences that the fine would effectively destroy their business and could leave them in financial trouble for years to come. Melissa said, It’s definitely impacted us pretty hard financially, and it’s been a little stressful, but we have the Lord and so He’s been keeping us strong’.

As can be seen in a video of the panel that has been shared amongst the LGBT community on social networking sites burst into tears saying, ‘If a couple chose me to do their cake… I would just feel so honoured to be a part of such an amazing, special day.’

A sentiment it would seem she does not feel should be extended to gay or lesbian couples. I’m guessing their big days just aren’t special enough to be shared with Melissa.

The Kleins have been attempting to raise support for their case through Facebook from family, friends and customers. Customers that include Restoration Hope, a religious group that advocates ex-gay ‘therapy’, whom the Kelins have called a ‘wonderful ministry’.

Christian Preacher Rick Warren posted his support on the page, saying, ‘Our culture has accepted 2 huge lies. The first is that if you disagree with someone’s lifestyle, you must fear or hate them. Second is that to love someone means that you must agree with everything they believe or do. Both are nonsense. You don’t have to compromise convictions to be compassionate.’

Warrens post has, unfortunately for the Kleins, attracted criticism from both Christians and non-Christians alike. One comment from a Facebook user who claims they are too a Christian reads ‘Melissa – you are not a Christian and those who support you are not Christians – you are bigots, plain and simple, using your twisted religious views to try to shield your bigotry. A bigot is a bigot no matter how you wrap it.’

The Kleins case is due to begin proceedings on the 7th of October.

Amy.

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