A baker in Oregon is under
investigation for refusing to make a wedding cake for a lesbian
couple.
Aaron Klein, the owner of Sweet Cakes
by Melissa in Gresham, declined to make a cake for the women on
January 17.
“My first question is what's the
wedding date,” Klein said of the mother and daughter who showed up
at his store. “My next question is bride and groom's name … the
girl giggled a little bit and said it's two brides.”
According
to King5, Klein explained that he and his wife do not make cakes
for gay weddings. The women, disgusted, walked out.
“I believe that marriage is a
religious institution ordained by God,” he said. “A man should
leave his mother and father and cling to his wife … that to me is
the beginning of marriage.”
Gay couples cannot legally marry in
Oregon. The state does offer domestic partnerships. Neighboring
Washington, however, approved a marriage law last year.
“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.”
The women are not speaking to the media
on the advice of their attorney.
The Oregon Department of Justice is
investigating allegations that the Kleins violated a state law which
prohibits discrimination in places of public accommodation.