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Oregon investigates bakery for refusing to make wedding cake for lesbian couple

February 05, 2013

The Oregon Department of Justice is investigating whether Sweet Cakes by Melissa, a bakery near Portland, violated a non-discrimination law when its owner refused to bake a wedding cake for a lesbian couple.

“People who open up their store to the public have to follow the law because it applies legally to everybody,” said Brad Avakian, the state’s labor commissioner.

Same-sex marriage does not exist in Oregon civil law: by a 57%-43% margin, Oregon voters approved a constitutional amendment in 2004 defining marriage as the union of a man and a woman.

“I believe that marriage is a religious institution ordained by God,” said Aaron Klein, the bakery’s owner. “A man should leave his mother and father and cling to his wife … that to me is the beginning of marriage.”

“I'd rather have my kids see their dad stand up for what he believes in than to see him bow down because one person complained,” Klein added.

 


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  • Posted by: - Feb. 05, 2013 11:42 PM ET USA

    What a nonsensical over-reaction by the Oregon Dept. of Justice. And as for the lesbian couple, why their meanness in seeking legal retribution against the bakery owner? The owner is only objecting the religious symbolism of the wedding cake, not because the customers are homosexuals. Kudos to the bakery owner for doing what he believes is morally right and sticking to his religious principles.

  • Posted by: Frodo1945 - Feb. 05, 2013 9:03 AM ET USA

    There is a man of conviction. Cheers!