Late last week it was announced that Aaron and Melissa Klein, owners of a bakery in Gresham, Oregon called “Sweet Cakes by Melissa,” had been fined $135,000.
Why?
Because they exercised their right of conscience and declined baking and decorating a wedding cake for a same-sex ceremony.
This Christian couple with five children have been guests on our broadcast as they told their story of how their faith came under fire when they were confronted by a choice they thought would never come: obey God or obey an unjust law.
They chose to obey God, and now the government has imposed a burdensome penalty on them.
So how are they taking it?
Hear directly from the Kleins from their Facebook page entry of April 24:
“We just found out that the judge has made his decision, he is ordering that we pay $135,000 in emotional damages. This money will not come from the business, but instead would have to be paid from money that should be going to pay for food and housing for us and our 5 children. Brad Avakian (Commissioner of Oregon’s Bureau of Labor and Industries, who prosecuted the Kleins) has not had his final word on it and it may be increased. This amount will financially ruin us. Our government was put in place to protect the people not to punish people because of their faith. We have had many people ask to help, someone kindly set up a go fund me for us. Thank you to all who are willing to fight for religious freedom. God bless.”
In response to the news and in an attempt to help the Kleins, an online donation page was established. But shortly thereafter, representatives from the “Go Fund Me” cite disabled the campaign, suggesting the couple is in violation of Oregon’s discrimination laws.
As we face the scenario of same-sex marriage oral arguments at the Supreme Court tomorrow, with a decision expected in June, the Kleins could be the faces of the unpleasant future of Christian conscience in America. (Learn more about SCOTUS’ historic marriage decision.)
Please take a minute and pray for this young couple who have valiantly defended their faith in the face of incredible hostility.
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