Christian-Owned Bakery Closes After Gay Wedding Controversy
A Christian couple was recently forced to announce the closure of the bakery they owned in the U.S. state of Oregon after they were embroiled in a controversy when they stood up to their beliefs and refused to bake a cake for a lesbian "wedding" ceremony two years ago.
In their bakery's official Facebook page, Christian entrepreneurs Aaron and Melissa Klein announced last Sept. 29 that they have officially closed their business, Sweet Cakes. In the same post, the couple said they "appreciate everyone's continued prayer and support."
The couple did not give further details on the bakery's closure. In an interview with The Catholic News Agency, however, Hiram Sasser, deputy chief counsel for the First Liberty Institute, the legal group representing the couple, explained that the Christian couple came out with an official announcement "to eliminate any confusion."
The bakery has actually been closed "months ago," Sasser said, but the Christian couple continued to receive orders, which they mostly accommodated by working from their home.
The lawyer maintained that the bakery's closure serves as a reminder that religious freedom must be protected more in the U.S.
"We believe in tolerance and respect for the variety of beliefs we have in our society and are hopeful we can restore freedom of tolerance and belief in this case," Sasser said.
"America is a multicultural society with people of many different beliefs. The government is demanding everyone believe the same thing rather than tolerating the diversity of ideas and lifestyles that represent American multiculturalism," he added.
It can be recalled that the Kleins faced a complaint from lesbian couple Laura Bowman and Rachel Cryer when the bakers refused to make a cake for the homosexuals' "marriage" ceremony, maintaining that only a man and a woman can be married.
The Christian bakers were slapped by the State of Oregon with a $135,000 fine for refusing to make a cake. Supporters of the couple, however, came to their rescue, raising over $500,000 for them through an online campaign.
