Bakersfield bakery owner won't make wedding cakes for gay couples, cites religious beliefs

Tastries Bakery, in Bakersfield, Calf., is under fire after its owner reportedly refused to make wedding cakes for same-sex couples. Tastries Bakery, in Bakersfield, Calf., is under fire after its owner reportedly refused to make wedding cakes for same-sex couples. Photo: Lina L./Yelp Photo: Lina L./Yelp Image 1 of / 10 Caption Close Bakersfield bakery owner won't make wedding cakes for gay couples, cites religious beliefs 1 / 10 Back to Gallery

A Bakersfield bakery owner says she won't make wedding cakes for two gay couples because it would conflict with her Christian beliefs.

In separate Facebook posts on Saturday, Ted Freitas and Eileen Del Rio said Tastries Bakery owner Cathy Miller refused to make their wedding cakes because they are marrying individuals of the same sex.

On Saturday, Freitas attended a tasting event with his fiancé, Adam Ramos, and his fiancé's mother. According to Freitas' Facebook post, when Miller realized he and Ramos were a same-sex couple, "She stands up, walks away, and calls [the owner of competing bakery Gimme Some Sugar] to 'transfer' us (I think she meant to say REFUSE SERVICE to us) and refer us for an appointment."

Miller then offered the couple some cupcakes.

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Del Rio shared a similar story on her Facebook page Saturday: "The owner met with us today to set up the process...She don't condone same sex marriages so refused to make our wedding cake and set up our order."

Tastries' website and Facebook page were deactivated as of Monday afternoon. Miller did not immediately respond to SFGATE for comment.

In an interview with KERO-TV in Bakersfield, Miller said, "Everyone is God's creation and I love everyone, but there are certain things that violate my conscience, and my conscience will not allow me to participate in things that I feel are wrong. Most of what that's based on is scripture."

She continued: "I don't feel that I should be picked on because of my beliefs."

SEE ALSO: Jesus wouldn't have made wedding cake for gay couple, says Colorado baker

Stephanie Caughell-Fisher, owner of Gimme Some Sugar, said she and Miller have "zero partnership." She recalled a day one year ago when Miller came into her bakery "very distraught."

"She said, 'I know your life and your family, I can't do these cakes so I'm going to refuse them,' " said Caughell-Fisher, who is married to a woman.

Caughell-Fisher then told Miller, "Send them to me and I will absolutely pamper them and show them the love you should be showing them."

In the past year, Caughell-Fisher says Miller has referred four customers to her bakery, including Ramos. Del Rio and her fiancée have yet to contact the bakery.

In June, the Supreme Court will hear the appeal of a Colorado baker who refused to make a cake for a same-sex couple. A similar case in Oregon has made its way to the state appeals court.

Read Michelle Robertson’s latest stories and send her news tips at mrobertson@sfchronicle.com.