Document text
0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Since You Asked: Pedestrians can be cited for carelessness ... Wolf once believed to be dead shows up near Crater Lake ... One of Oregon's two health insurance co-ops says it will shut down ... Since You Asked: Pedestrians can be cited for carelessness ... Wolf once believed to be dead shows up near Crater Lake ... One of Oregon's two health insurance co-ops says it will shut down ... PORTLAND Portland bakery owners refuse to pay damages in gay wedding cake case Lesbian couple was turned away, awarded $135,000 Comment By George Rede The Oregonian MailTribune.com By George Rede The Oregonian Posted Oct. 1, 2015 at 3:14 PM Updated Oct 1, 2015 at 3:15 PM By George Rede The Oregonian Posted Oct. 1, 2015 at 3:14 PM Updated Oct 1, 2015 at 3:15 PM » Social News The Oregon couple who made national headlines when they refused to bake a cake for a same-sex wedding are now refusing to pay state-ordered damages to the lesbian couple they turned away. In response, state officials have gone to court to establish their right to place a property lien or attach other assets belonging to Aaron and Melissa Klein, proprietors of theSweet Cakes by Melissa bakery. The Kleins filed an appeal of the state ruling in July but also have defied a Bureau of Labor and Industries order to pay $135,000 to Rachel and Laurel Bowman-Cryer, claiming financial hardship despite crowdfunding efforts that have raised more than $500,000 on their behalf. Most recently, one of their lawyers wrote to the labor bureau to say: "Our clients do not have a bond or irrevocable letter of credit in place and have no further plans to obtain either one." The Kleins' refusal to pay marks another chapter in the long-running controversy pitting their claims of religious freedom against enforcement of anti-discrimination laws requiring Oregon businesses to serve the public equally. Labor Commissioner Brad Avakianissued a final order July 2 directing the Kleins to pay damages for emotional and mental suffering, saying they had violated the women's civil rights by discriminating on the basis of their sexual orientation. The Kleins have defended their actions as consistent with their Christian beliefs against same-sex marriage, saying they shouldn't have to provide a wedding-related service that goes against their religious principles. Even before the final order, supporters of the Kleins set up three online accounts to help them with expenses. As of Wednesday, those efforts had raised at least $515,000, according to a calculation by The Oregonian/OregonLive. "It's difficult to understand the Kleins' unwillingness to pay the debt when they have, very publicly, raised nearly a half million dollars," labor bureau spokesman Charlie Burr said in an email Wednesday. "They are entitled to a full and fair review of the case, but do not have the right to disregard a legally binding order." Anna Harmon, one of three lawyers representing the Kleins, said she could not comment about her clients' actions. "These questions delve into matters of (attorney-client) privilege that we aren't at liberty to discuss publicly," she said. "There's still ongoing litigation and we can't talk about strategy. " Paul Thompson, a Portland attorney representing the Bowman-Cryers, also declined comment, saying, "We don't want to speculate on their motives as to why they do or don't do things." The dispute goes back to January 2013 when Rachel Cryer and her mother came into the Sweet Cakes shop for a cake-tasting appointment, only to be told by Aaron Klein that the Gresham bakery did not do cakes for same-sex weddings. Cryer and Bowman, as they were then known, complained to the labor bureau, prompting a state investigation, four days of hearings before an administrative law judge this year and, ultimately, Avakian's July ruling. By George Rede The Oregonian MailTribune.com By George Rede The Oregonian Posted Oct. 1, 2015 at 3:14 PM Updated Oct 1, 2015 at 3:15 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2015 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501