'Sweetcakes' owner defiant in face of $135,000 fine

Washington Examiner ^ | 7-3-2015 | Barbara Boland

[sheikdetailfeather]

After getting hit with a financially-crushing $135,000 fine Thursday for their decision to not bake a cake for a lesbian wedding, the owner of the Oregon "Sweetcakes by Melissa" bakery has a dire warning for Americans.

"For years, we've heard same-sex marriage will not affect anybody," Aaron Klein said in an interview with The Blaze. "I'm here firsthand to tell everyone in America that it has already impacted people."

Aaron and his wife Melissa are required to immediately write a $135,000 check to the lesbian couple they refused to bake a wedding cake for, Rachel Cryer-Bowman and Laurel Bowman-Cryer, to compensate them for emotional damages.

Aaron Klein says that Oregon Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian's order requires the couple to use "personal property" rather than only business assets to pay the vast sum and that it "has the potential to financially ruin" the family of five. Avakian "knew that full well going into this," said Klein.

[17th Miss Regt]

I read somewhere that this Labor Commissioner is also the Chairman of the Revolutionary Communist Party, USA.

No. That is Bob Avakian. I thought they might be siblings and brought that up about a week ago. After doing some research I think that Brad Avakian is probably not directly related to Bob Avakian. Bob Avakian is about 72 and Brad Avakian is about 53 or so. The Wikipedia lists different sets of parents as well. They may be related in a less direct manner (cousins) or not at all. But the relative infrequency of the family name Avakian might lead one to believe they are related. They are both of a totalitarian mindset.

[cuban leaf]

The Oregon law provides an exemption for religious organizations and schools, but does not allow private businesses to discriminate or deny service based on sexual orientation.

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That is unconstitutional. Equal protection and all that. You don’t give up your first amendment rights to make a living in this country.

[Big Giant Head]

I would pile up everything I owned and turn it into a pile of ashes before I gave these skanks one damn cent.

I think, on the other hand, the commissioner, or Kommie-sar, should have HIS stuff turned into a pile of ashes. It's about time for some old fashioned, King George Revolt type action.

[ilovesarah2012]

Not Paying His Dues

Labor Commish Brad Avakian, now running for congress, has a record of paying taxes late—and hitting up lobbyists for a job.

http://www.wweek.com/portland/article-17967-not_paying_his_dues.html

[jacob allen]

The Klein’s should sue Brad Avakian for emotional damage of their religious belief and ask for $135 million.

[jch10]

One of those situations where you need to know where the Commissioner lives. The opposition should meet there daily for awhile.

[Big Giant Head]

Yep. They’ve had their faith in America smashed as well.

[DoodleDawg]

Labor Commish Brad Avakian, now running for congress, has a record of paying taxes late—and hitting up lobbyists for a job.

That article is four years old. Obviously his congressional campaign didn't go anywhere.

[BykrBayb]

No, reasonable people do not agree that they broke the law, nor that they should be punished.

[Lion Den Dan]

I would like to read the article but the Washington Examiner web site cascades a flood of damned advertising that siezes control of the computer and won’t let go. Typical communist rag.

[farming pharmer]

Here is the donation link if anyone would like to contribute. https://www.continuetogive.com/helpsweetcakesbymelissa

Thank you for the post. I didn't know about this, I wish it were more widely publicized.

[Texas Yellow Rose]

I don’t believe that ignorance of the Oregon law is an excuse for these people. ... The penalty is out of the park. They probably don’t have $135,000 invested in the business if you discount them personally. Pain and suffering in this case is a crock....

[farming pharmer]

Reasonable people can and do agree they broke the law, but fining a small business that amount is grandstanding. The Oregon law provides an exemption for religious organizations and schools, but does not allow private businesses to discriminate or deny service based on sexual orientation. I don’t agree but that doesn’t mean there shouldn’t be a minimal penalty.

Homosexulaity is a behavior, not a civil right. What other types of behavior should business owners be forced to 'tolerate'? Pedophilia? People who have sex with goats?

[Hugh the Scot]

So what? Go somewhere else if you don’t like the service.

[Guenevere]

Bttt

[BykrBayb]

They’re not ignorant. They’re Christians. There should be no penalty for being a Christian. The law is an ass!

[bgill]

Call me unreasonable. They were intentionally set up and targeted by both the fudgers and the Commissioner. Never heard of a commissioner being judge and jury. How dare he 'rehabilitate' those whose beliefs do not conform to the state's ideas. It should never have gotten this far and wouldn't have if We the People had a Constitution that was followed.

[sten]

fags support fag owned businesses.

if a fag owned business is new to the area, or not doing well, and the established business is Christian owned... fags will descend on the Christian business until they find a way to destroy it.

the only solution for Christian businesses will be to turn themselves into a members only club. walking through the door, people agree to abide by the membership rules, including paying dues upon checking out ($0.01). only members may purchase items or services from the store.

and membership may be revoked at any time for any reason.

[sten]

Reasonable people can and do agree they broke the law

sorry, no. if the company was a public company, there'd be a case. but since the company was privately held, the owner can chose when, where and for whom he is willing to apply his trade.