The Oregon bakery whose owners refused
to make a wedding cake for a lesbian couple has been found guilty of
violating the women's civil rights.
The Oregon Bureau of Labor and
Industries said Friday that its investigation found substantial
evidence that Sweet Cakes by Melissa, located in Gresham, had
violated the state's 2007 law prohibiting discrimination in public
accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation, The
Oregonian reported.
Aaron Klein, who owns the shop with his
wife Melissa Klein, declined to make the cake for the women on
January 17, 2013. Klein told the women that they do not make cakes
for gay weddings.
“I believe that marriage is a
religious institution ordained by God,” Klein previously told
King5. “A man should leave his mother and father and cling to his
wife … that to me is the beginning of marriage.”
“They can buy my stuff,” Klein said
in explaining that he does not hate gays. “I'll sell them stuff …
I'll talk to them, it's fine.”
State officials will attempt to reach a
settlement through a conciliation process.
“They're being punished by the state
of Oregon for refusing to participate in an event that the state of
Oregon does not recognize,” said Herbert Grey, who represents the
Kleins.
Oregon recognizes gay couples with
domestic partnerships, not marriage. A referendum on the issue of
marriage is expected to be on the 2014 ballot. However, the state
does recognize the out-of-state marriages of gay couples. Gay
couples can legally marry in nearby Washington, Canada and
California.
In September, the Kleins closed their
bakery and moved their business to their home. They left behind a
sign in the window which read, “Religious freedom is under attack
in Gresham.”