An Oregon baker has refused to make a
cake for a lesbian couple's wedding.
According to Portland ABC
affiliate KATU, Pam Regentin, the owner of Fleur Cakes in Hood
River, canceled a cake tasting after learning that Erin Hanson and
Katie Pugh were a gay couple.
“I mentioned Erin in passing,” Pugh
said, “and said a 'she' in passing too, in the email. A few days
later she called back and that was today. And called and verified it
was a same-sex wedding.”
When asked about the incident, Regentin
would only say: “I believe I have the liberty to live by my
principles.”
Gay and lesbian couples cannot legally
marry in Oregon. The state does offer domestic partnerships.
Neighboring Washington, however, approved a marriage law last year.
But Oregon law prohibits discrimination
based on sexual orientation in places of public accommodation, which
includes retail businesses.
Oregon officials are currently
considering charges against Gresham-based Sweet Cakes after its
owner, Aaron Klein, refused to bake a wedding cake for a lesbian
bride-to-be.
(Related: Oregon
baker refuses to make wedding cake for lesbian couple.)