Oregon bakery owners file appeal in gay wedding cake case

PORTLAND – Oregon bakery owners who denied service to a same-sex couple are arguing that a state ruling ordering them to pay $135,000 in damages violates state and federal laws.

The Oregonian reported that bakery owners Aaron and Melissa Klein filed a brief with the Oregon Court of appeals this week arguing the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries violated the Kleins’ rights as artists to free speech, their rights as Oregonians to religious freedom and their rights as defendants to a due process.

Damages were awarded in July for emotional suffering caused by Sweet Cakes by Melissa, which three years ago refused to make a wedding cake for Laurel and Rachel Bowman-Cryer. The bakers said their refusal was prompted by religious beliefs.