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Dear John,
I want to update you on a critical action our legal team just took in the in the Sweet Cakes by Melissa case.
Last week, we filed a brief with the Oregon Court of Appeals on behalf of Melissa Klein.
You may remember that earlier this year, the U.S. Supreme Court vacated an earlier decision by the state court that forced cake artist Melissa Klein to shut down her family bakery. In its prior ruling, the Oregon Court of Appeals upheld a crippling $135,000 penalty issued by a state agency because Melissa politely declined to create a message in conflict with her religious beliefs.
Per direction from the Supreme Court, Melissa’s case will now be reviewed in light of Masterpiece Cakeshop, Ltd. v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission, which made it clear that government officials must be respectful and neutral toward religious Americans.
For Melissa, the big question now is whether the Oregon state court will properly review her case based upon Masterpiece, or will it choose to uphold its original ruling?
Needless to say, the stakes are high, and right now our legal-team is preparing for a long-term fight — for Melissa’s business, her family and her faith — all the way back to the Supreme Court. This case is about the right of every person to run their business according to their faith, and the decision will affect all Americans.
We will be sure to keep you updated on any new developments as we keep moving forward.
Thank you for your steadfast commitment to First Liberty, as well as your ongoing support of brave clients such as Melissa.
Gratefully,
Kelly
Kelly J. Shackelford, Esq.
President, CEO & Chief Counsel
First Liberty Institute
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