First Liberty



After Receiving Validation from the Supreme Court, SweetCakes by
Melissa Case Returns to Oregon Appeals Court for Oral Argument

Dear John,

Good news! We just took the next major step in delivering
#SweetJustice for Melissa Klein.

On Thursday, First Liberty appeared at the Oregon Court of Appeals to
present oral argument in the case of Aaron and Melissa Klein, former
owners of SweetCakes by Melissa. As you might remember, this is the
same state court that effectively forced Aaron and Melissa out of
business years ago by upholding a penalty of $135,000 for refusing to
create a government-approved message that conflicted with
their sincerely held religious beliefs.

The new hearing follows last June's encouraging decision by the
Supreme Court to vacate the Oregon court's verdict. The Supreme
Court ordered the lower court to reassess the case in light of
Masterpiece Cakeshop, Ltd. v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission, which
clearly stated government must be neutral toward the religious beliefs
of citizens.

First Liberty Counsel Keisha Russel summed it up best: "The
government should not be in the business of deciding whose faith is or
is not acceptable. Government officials must remain neutral. When
government decides whose faith is or is not acceptable, it
discriminates against people of faith."

In our press conference following the oral arguments, Melissa added:
"We welcomed and served everyone in our bakery, we just simply
could not endorse all messages. We lost everything we loved and worked
so hard to build. Our hope is that maybe someday we can, once again,
reopen our bakery and serve everyone without being forced to celebrate
events that conflict with our religious beliefs."

Now the big question remains: will the Oregon Courts openly defy the
U.S. Supreme Court? We'll let you know as soon as we find
out-and you can be sure we will return to the Supreme Court to
pursue ultimate justice for Melissa if they do.

In the meantime, the Kleins are still in the midst of a 7
year-long fight-and no one should have to endure such religious
discrimination alone. If you would like to support Melissa and her
family as they continue on this journey, please take a moment to sign
a personal note of encouragement for Melissa below:

Sign the Letter of Support
[link removed]

With your help, we can strengthen and encourage Melissa, and let her
know that she has friends all over America who stand with her decision
to run her business according to her faith.

Gratefully, 

Kelly

Kelly J. Shackelford, Esq.
President, CEO & Chief Counsel
First Liberty Institute

 



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