PORTLAND, OR—On April 24, Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industry (BOLI) completed its case against the Sweet Cakes by Melissa, a bakery that refused to make a wedding cake for a lesbian couple planning to marry.
“This case struck a chord with many Oregonians because allowing businesses to deny goods and services to people because of who they are and whom they love is hurtful and wrong,” said Jeana Frazzini, Basic Rights Oregon’s Co-Director.
“The business owners in the case believed they had the right to deny services because of their religious beliefs,” Nancy Haque, Basic Rights Oregon’s Co-Director said. “Religious freedom is a fundamental part of America, and is written into our state’s constitution already. But those beliefs don’t entitle any of us to discriminate against others. Religious liberty should not be used to discriminate against people.”
In 2007, Basic Rights Oregon led an effort to pass one of the nation’s strongest LGBTQ non-discrimination laws in the country, recognizing that Oregonians believe in treating others as we ourselves would want to be treated.
“We are proud to live in state where our lives are honored and respected, said Frazzini. “Thank you to Brad Avakian and the Bureau of Labor and Industry for enforcing our laws and helping bring dignity and respect to all Oregonians.”