Oregon: Cake refusal violates gay couple's rights

Associated Press

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Oregon's Bureau of Labor and Industries has determined that a suburban Portland bakery violated the civil rights of a same-sex couple by refusing to bake a cake for the women's wedding.

Agency spokesman Charlie Burr said Friday that investigators found evidence that Sweet Cakes by Melissa unlawfully discriminated against the couple based on their sexual orientation.

The Oregonian reports (http://is.gd/e9sPT4 ) the state will oversee a conciliation process to see if the parties can reach a settlement.

Rachel Cryer and Laurel Bowman of Portland say they were denied a wedding cake last January by the bakery's owners, Aaron and Melissa Klein.

The Kleins' lawyer Herbert Grey says his clients will participate in the conciliation process but maintain their original stance. They have said they were practicing their right to religious freedom.

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Information from: The Oregonian, http://www.oregonlive.com