Posted on 07/10/2015 7:19:11 PM PDT by kindred
Melissa and Aaron Klein are pushing back against the punishment imposed on them for simply living out their Christian faith.
The Kleins, former owners of Sweet Cakes by Melissa, are facing a $135,000 fine from their home state of Oregon for declining to create a wedding cake for a same-sex ceremony in 2013.
After turning down the business, a complaint was filed before the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries. Last week, Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian finalized a fine of $135,000 against the Kleins, ordering them to pay the lesbian couple for "emotional damages," according to Fox News and The Daily Signal.
American Family Association brought the plight of the Kleins to the attention of its 1 million friends and supporters through an Action Alert yesterday.
"Aaron and Melissa Klein aren't backing down from this calculated attack on their religious liberties and their freedom of speech," said AFA President Tim Wildmon. "Now is the time for all Christians to stand together in support of the Kleins and their five children, letting them know that we support them, their stance for God's definition of marriage and their bravery in the face of this incredible ordeal."
Labor Commissioner Avakian also imposed a gag order on the couple, mandating that they "cease and desist" from speaking publicly about not wanting to bake cakes for same-sex weddings based on their Christian beliefs. Read more at OneNewsNow, the AFA news service.
"This [decision] effectively strips us of all our First Amendment rights," the Kleins stated on their Facebook page. "According to the state of Oregon, we have neither freedom of religion nor freedom of speech."
The Kleins have requested a stay on the fine to delay the order so they can begin the appeals process. Fox News also reported that if they Kleins don't pay the fine by Monday, July 13, a lien could be imposed on their home. Melissa and Aaron also spoke during the American Pastors Network daily radio program, "Stand in the Gap Today," on Thursday.
AFA is encouraging supporters to sign a petition that will be sent to the Kleins, which states, "Thank you for remaining strong in your faith and for defending religious freedom for all Christians. Please know that I stand with you and will continue to pray for the Klein family and Sweet Cakes by Melissa. May God grant you wisdom, strength and peace as you go forward in your faithfulness to Him." AFA also shared the ContinuetoGive site that allows friends and supporters to help them financially. (Join us on our new podcast each weekday for an interesting story, well told, from Charisma News. Listen at charismapodcastnetwork.com.)
God bless them. I wish the Catholic Church would back them up.
Won’t be long now until the killing starts.
A rich conservative investor should just buy the house right from them and leave no assets touchable in Oregon. Make sure payment goes into bank account out of that evil state’s reach.
They should sue Avakian for $10 million in damages for emotional distress. He is a bully and a sadist. If he thinks they broke the law, ok, fine them $500 or $1000. But $135,000 speaks of pure malice and hatred, a desire to destroy. We are talking about refusing to bake a cake! He is an evil, evil man. If I said what I think should happen to him, I’d have the FBI at my door.
This is worse than the Salem witch trials right now.
Good for them!!! Keep pushing back, this is the only way we are going to rid this beautiful country of the pc trash that has landed here....
This labor commissioner Avakian is an agent of the government. He used his power to violate their freedom of speech with his gag order. He must be sued personally for violating their constitutional rights. He must be made to pay a financial penalty, be relieved of his position and attend sensitivity reeducation training before the case is settled.
Good. Everyone that is oppressed by the homofascists needs to fight back strong. Start kickstarter campaigns and get donations to support the fights.
Like the libtards all we need is ONE WIN and we can start saying “precedence” and “it’s settled” and drive the liberals apesh1t.
If all do this they’ll get the message.
It sound like the Gay activist conspired with Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries to target this Baker, knowing this Christian would oppose it.
SO...
Some homos sue a bakery(or choose your own noun), a judge grants a huge settlement, and the citizens effect a transfer of wealth from many to a few via a convenient website.
Will wonders never cease ?
If not having a cake made for you causes you emotional damage then you belong in a psych ward.
I got the impression they are evangelicals. The Church should back them up anyway because of this case's importance to morality in society. A great many priests and bishops do support them. But I agree that this is the time for the US Bishops as a group, as well as the Vatican (why not?) to stand up for folks just minding their own business, acting normal.
They should burn his gdamn house down and let that be a notice to the rest of these petty tyrants.
Either we have a first amendment or we do not..........
Had ENOUGH Yet ?
Maybe Al Cervik can have his associates Rocco & Moose pay this @$$hat a friendly visit ;)
I don’t see why their should be a problem with turning down that business. Obviously the Christian bakery losses will just be a gain for Muslim bakers.
“I wish the Catholic Church would back them up.”
Me, too. They should. But don’t hold your breath.
It is over 40 years since the “Call to Action” and the CC gave up the culture war with the VII capitulation and murder of Pope John Paul.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.