Uncategorized ·same-sex marriage

Oregon Bakery Pays $144K After Refusing Service to a Same-Sex Couple

BYMichal Addady
December 30, 2015, 8:27 PM UTC
New design for discounted store Tati
PARIS, FRANCE - SEPTEMBER 30: Same-sex wedding cake toppers in Tati's historic first store under renovation, on September 30, 2013, in Paris, France. Tati is a brand of discounted stores, originally created in Paris in 1949 by Jules Ouaki to cater to budget-conscious shoppers. The failure of the brand's adventurous expansion overseas as well as new competition from cheap but hype fashion stores such as H&M and Zara, led to Tati filing for bankruptcy in 2004. It was bought by French ERAM group, which decided to cut back on diversification and centering on the core market. The choice was also made to upgrade quality and marketing. Tati now offers large alleys, well-displayed products, and an enjoyable shopping experience, with still the lowest prices. (Photo by Lucas Schifres/Getty Images)
Photograph by Lucas Schifres — Getty Images

The owners of an Oregon bakery paid $144,000 in damages after refusing to sell a wedding cake to a same-sex couple.

Aaron and Melissa Klein, owners of Sweet Cakes by Melissa, refused to sell a wedding cake to Laurel and Rachel Bowman-Cryer when the two were planning the event in 2013. The bakery owners were found to be in violation of anti-discrimination laws because their bakery was not registered as a religious institution, and they were ordered to pay $135,000 due in July. Reuters reports that the couple refused to pay and filed for an appeal, and the damages have been accruing interest since the summer.

In order for the Kleins to continue with their appeal efforts, Oregon law states that they have to either pay the damages or get a bond for the full amount. The couple paid $7,000 earlier this month with money raised through a private collection organized by the Department of Justice, and paid the rest of the $137,000 on Monday.

The case is set to go to the Oregon Court of Appeals next year, and could potentially make its way up to the state’s Supreme Court. The labor bureau will hold onto the damages until all appeals are settled.