Oregon Bakers, Melissa and Aaron Klein Continue to Fight for Their Faith, and Their Right to Say 'No'

Bob Eschliman : Apr 27, 2016
Charisma News

"Commissioner Brad Avakian decided the Kleins were guilty before he even heard their case. This is an egregious violation of the Kleins' rights to due process. We hope the Oregon Court of Appeals will remedy this by reversing or dismissing the government's case against the Kleins."

Aaron and Melissa Klein, former owners of the bakery called Sweet Cakes by Melissa, were asked by a lesbian to make a cake for her same-sex wedding in 2013. (Submitted photo/via Charisma News)

As devout Christians, they believe participating in such an event would violate their faith and declined the woman's request, despite having made cakes for her in the past. The woman complained, sparking a religious liberty case that has made headlines all around the world.
 
First Liberty Institute, Boyden Gray, Tyler Smith, Anna Harmon and Herbert Grey are representing the Kleins as they appeal the State of Oregon's $135,000 penalty, as well as an order barring them from ever again saying certain things about their religious faith.
 
This week, they filed a brief, arguing the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries violated the Kleins' constitutional rights to religious freedom, free speech and due process. The attorneys note that, before hearing the Kleins' case, BOLI Commissioner Brad Avakian made numerous public comments on social media and in media interviews revealing his intent to rule against them.
 
Additionally, the Kleins' attorneys argue the state's $135,000 penalty was "excessive and gratuitous."
 
"In America, you're protected by the Constitution and you're also innocent until proven guilty," First Liberty President and CEO Kelly Shackelford said. "Commissioner Brad Avakian decided the Kleins were guilty before he even heard their case. This is an egregious violation of the Kleins' rights to due process. We hope the Oregon Court of Appeals will remedy this by reversing or dismissing the government's case against the Kleins."
 
Meanwhile, the Colorado Supreme Court...
 
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