Oregon Bakers Ask Supreme Court To Overturn Anti-LGBT Violation

Melissa and Aaron Klein (image via Facebook)

Just months after the U.S. Supreme Court issued a narrow ruling on Colorado baker Jack Phillips’ appeal for refusing to make a cake for a gay couple, another anti-LGBT bakery has asked the Supreme Court to consider their appeal.

The petition for review, filed last Friday by the conservative law firm First Liberty on behalf of Aaron and Melissa Klein of Sweet Cakes by Melissa, asserts the couple’s First Amendment rights to refuse service to a lesbian couple, according to SCOTUSblog.

In 2013, Laurel and Rachel Bowman-Cryer asked the Gresham, Oregon, bakery to sell them a cake for their upcoming commitment ceremony.

Based on her ‘deeply held religious beliefs,’ Melissa Klein refused to sell the couple a cake saying same-sex marriage was not consistent with her religious beliefs.

It's worth underscoring that the Bowman-Cryers weren't asking for a wedding cake, or holding any kind of religious ceremony, as marriage equality hadn't been adopted by Oregon at the time.

Also, the state of Oregon’s public accommodation laws clearly prohibit any discrimination based on sexual orientation.

The lesbian couple filed a complaint with the state’s Bureau of Labor & Industries which found the bakery had, indeed, violated the state’s laws.

The Bureau fined the couple $135,000 for the violation, which the Kleins' claim put them out of business, even though a Christian-led crowdfunding campaign raised over $352,000 for the couple.

The Kleins appealed the decision to the Oregon Court of Appeals, but the Bureau’s decision was upheld.

The bakers then asked the Oregon Supreme Court to review the decision, but the state’s high court refused that request earlier this year.

It’s worth noting that this summer’s ruling regarding the Colorado baker was a win for Phillips only in that the Supreme Court felt the Colorado administrative agency that initially ruled against him appeared to be “too hostile” to Phillips’ religious beliefs. The Supreme Court never actually ruled on whether religious beliefs trump public accommodation laws.

The Supreme Court has several options regarding the petition for review.

In order to accept the case, at least four justices must vote to do so.

The court could decline the review completely, or decline to review but vacate the earlier rulings in Oregon remanding the case back to the earlier courts to review their decision.

That’s the route the high court took in June of this year regarding an anti-LGBT florist in Washington state, Barronelle Stutzman of Arlene’s Flowers.

According to SCOTUSblog, the state of Oregon now has 30 days to respond to the filing although a 30 extension is possible.

Should the Supreme Court choose to review the case, after oral arguments a decision would come down sometime before the end of June 2019.

Oregon Supreme Court Declines To Review Anti-LGBTQ Bakers' Case

Aaron Klein of Sweet Cakes by Melissa

The Oregon Supreme Court has declined to review the case of Aaron and Melissa Klein, who as Sweet Cakes by Melissa, refused to serve a lesbian couple in 2013.

The Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries found that the Kleins were guilty of discriminating against the couple when they refused to sell a cake for a commitment ceremony.

The bakers were fined $135,000 for emotional damages in 2015.

They Kleins took their case to the Oregon Court of Appeals which ultimately upheld that decision.

The business owners' lawyers now say they intend to head to the U.S. Supreme Court.

While the Kleins exhaust all their options for appeal, the check they wrote for $135,000 is being held.

In the aftermath of the story coming to light, Christian crowdfunding efforts raising over $500,000 to more than cover the bakers' loses after they decided to stop making wedding cakes for anyone.

News Round-Up: May 13, 2018

Some news stories you might have missed:

• A mother who is "against people being gay" wrote to Dear Abby saying her 43-year-old daughter just came out as lesbian. Abby knew just how to handle this one...

• A Texas teacher was accused of "promoting a homosexual agenda" when she showed students a picture of herself and her wife dressed up as Disney characters on the first day of school.

• Starbucks has now adopted an open-bathroom policy following an incident in Philadelphia last month were two black men were arrested while waiting for a business colleague.

• An Oregon school allegedly forced an LGBT student to read the Bible as punishment...?

• GLEE star Kevin McHale says of his recent coming out: "I think there was zero surprise. People knew."

• The Trump administration continues its attack on the trans community by rolling back prison protections.

Nevada: Michele Fiore Says Oregon Occupiers Were "Camping"

Nevada Assemblywoman (and local nutjob) Michele Fiore sat down with Chris Kudialis of the Las Vegas Sun to discuss the recent occupation of a wildlife refuge in Oregon by the Bundy militia, which became a national news story for 40 days as the occupiers threatened to shoot any federal agent who attempted to arrest them.

Fiore, who became involved at the end of the debacle, now calls what the occupiers did "camping."

They entered a federal office building while armed, renamed the facility, accessed personnel files and posted private information about employees online, destroyed fencing while allowing the media to record them, drove government vehicles and said they were ready to “kill or be killed” while making a stand against the United States government.

Nevada congressional candidate Michele Fiore calls this “camping.”

In an interview that explored her views of the type of anti-government activists who took over the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge near Burns, Ore., this year, Fiore bristled at questions in which the Oregon incident was described as an occupation. Not only did she say the activists acted lawfully, she contended they were victims of “an act of terrorism” by the federal government.

“It was abandoned. No one was there, so they basically kind of said, ‘This is a great place to camp and make our statement,’” Fiore said.

Asked about specific activities that were reported during the occupation, Fiore offered varying responses. She said she knew refuge vehicles were being driven by activists, but said one of the leaders tried to prevent it. She said she was unaware of fences being destroyed or employee information being compromised, despite reports from media outlets inside the facility.

“I’d need to see some proof,” said Fiore, currently a Nevada assemblywoman. “Somebody would need to show me.”

Fiore announced last week that she intends to run for Nevada’s 3rd Congressional District seat.

You can watch Chris Kudialis' interview below.

To further illustrate her character, this is from Fiore's Christmas calendar:

Oregon: "Bundy Militia" Indicted By Federal Grand Jury

Members of the "Bundy Militia," domestic terrorists who took over a federal wildlife sanctuary last month, have been indicted by a federal grand jury for preventing federal employees from doing their jobs.

From NBC News:

The armed occupation, which began over a month ago at the Malheur National Wildlife Center, lost its momentum last week after its leaders, brothers Ammon and Ryan Bundy, were arrested during a traffic stop. Another occupier, Robert LaVoy Finicum, was fatally shot by authorities in the same incident.

A total of 11 people, including the Bundy brothers, were arrested, although two members of the group — including the only female — were later released from jail, The Associated Press reported.

Federal prosecutor Geoff Barrow told the AP on Wednesday that the indictment involves the people arrested so far "and others," perhaps a reference to the four people who have stayed put at the federal refuge — despite Ammon Bundy's calls for them to leave.

The indictment, which was unsealed Thursday and obtained by NBC News, alleges that the defendants conspired together since last October to prevent refuge employees from doing their work at the wildlife sanctuary "by force, intimidation, and threats."

The maximum penalty is six years in prison.

The Bundy brothers — sons of infamous Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy — remain jailed. The occupiers took over the refuge as part of a larger demand that the federal government turn public lands over to local control.

A small group of the militants continue to occupy the wildlife refuge.

Facebook Post Of The Day: Michelangelo Signorile

Why is this still being a called a "protest"?
Posted by Michelangelo Signorile on Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Oregon: Eight Domestic Terrorists In "Bundy Militia" Arrested, One Killed

After three weeks of occupation of a federal wildlife refuge in Oregon, FBI and Oregon State police have arrested 8 members of the domestic terrorist group known as the "Bundy militia."

During the arrest, one of the right-wing extremists was shot and killed

From USA Today:

Arizona resident Robert "LaVoy" Finicum, 56, of Cane Beds, Ariz., was shot and killed during the encounter. The FBI did not release his name, but his death was reported by The Oregonian and NBC News.

NBC News correspondent Pete Williams, quoting unidentified sources, says Finicum was shot after stepping from a vehicle and brandishing a weapon.

The standoff, however, is not over, as five or six protesters remain at the compound..

One of them, Jason Patrick, said he has been speaking with an FBI negotiator who told him "they just want to get everybody off the refuge."

Those arrested include the Bundy brothers, Ryan 43, of Bunkerville, Nev., and Ammon, 40, of Emmett, Idaho, along with Brian Cavalier, 44, of Bunkerville; Shawna Cox, 59, of Kanab, Utah; and Ryan Waylen Payne, 32, of Anaconda, Mont. Also arrested, at separate locations in Burns, Ore., near the refuge, were Pete Santilli, host of a neoconservative online radio, and Joseph Donald O'Shaughnessy, 45, of Cottonwood, Ariz.

An eighth person, Jon Eric Ritzheimer, 32, was arrested after turning himself into police in Peoria, Ariz.

Those arrested were charged with a federal felony count of conspiracy to impede officers of the United States from discharging their official duties through the use of force, intimidation or threats.

Many residents of Harney County, where the refuge is located, have been among those demanding Bundy leave. Many sympathize with his criticism of federal land management policies of public lands but opposed the refuge takeover. They feared violence could erupt.

"I am pleased that the FBI has listened to the concerns of the local community and responded to the illegal activity occurring in Harney County by outside extremists," Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley said in a statement. "I hope that the remaining individuals occupying the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge will peacefully surrender."

The nutjobs who are supporting this terrorist act will scream about Finicum's death. It's worth noting, however, those are probably the same people who would blame a black man (or child) for being shot by police if THEY were to brandish a gun in the direction of a police officer.

UPDATE: Anti-Muslim activist and Oregon militia member Jon Ritzheimer has also been arrested after turning himself in to police in Arizona. Ritzheimer had fled the Oregon wildlife refuge some time before the arrests of his fellow domestic terrorists.

Oregon: Bundy Terrorists Extend Their "Wish List" Of Needs

Click to enlarge - pic via JJ MacNab

The Bundy domestic terrorists/militia has sent out their newly updated "wish list" of items they would like folks to send them.

These guys are clearly amateurs at being domestic terrorists. They didn't even pack Miracle Whip?

You'll note there are not a lot of books on that list. But they do ask for throw rugs and aprons.

If anyone has some curtains and valances laying around, they might come in handy redecorating the bird sanctuary.

Today In #BundyMilitia Memes

Oregon Militia Nutjobs Have A Mascot: TarpMan

Now, I seriously hope nothing violent happens up in Oregon where the militia nutjobs are holed up in a federal building daring the government to address the situation.

But, you knew this chapter was going to have it's super-nuts, and we have our first one, and he's Lavoy Finicum AKA "TarpMan."

He says he's sitting under this tarp with a shotgun ready to shoot any federal agents who might aim a gun at him.

I don't know why but I keep thinking, "Shh - be vewy, vewy quiet. I'm hunting wabbits."

Of course, Twitter loves this.

#Tarpman dreams of a better life pic.twitter.com/NQf6212y0t

— Wisco (@Wisco) January 6, 2016

You’re only seeing 10% of the #Derp. #TarpMan pic.twitter.com/uxKB2jVgJN

— Charles Gaba (@charles_gaba) January 6, 2016

Revealed: #Tarpman's wife has been located. pic.twitter.com/c7ixYhdVnU

— Jade Helm Commander (@Anomaly100) January 6, 2016

Wildlife sanctuary resident shows solidarity with #TarpMan pic.twitter.com/sKi0yBUeG5

— Andrew Martin (@SuspensaVix) January 6, 2016

(h/t JMG)

Oregon Domestic Rancher/Terrorist Memes Have Begun

You knew it was coming, right? #BrokebackBundys

From Facebook user Jim Apple:

Oregon: Anti-Government Terrorists Soon To Lose Power

The federal government is taking a "go slow" approach to the armed militia in Oregon who have taken over a federal building in the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.

According to sources, the plan at this point is to shut off the power to the building in the near future.

From Talking Points Memo:

“It’s in the middle of nowhere,” the unnamed government official told The Guardian. “And it’s flat-ass cold up there.”

The source told the Guardian that they didn't have any information about the FBI's plan of action, but said the National Park Service (called the US Park Service by The Guardian) planned to cut the outpost's power.

The Malheur National Wildlife Refuge is under the jurisdiction of the Fish and Wildlife Service. A statement on the Malheur webpage says the refuge is closed until further notice. The National Park Service's role was not immediately clear.

“After they shut off the power, they’ll kill the phone service,” the official told The Guardian. “Then they’ll block all the roads so that all those guys have a long, lonely winter to think about what they’ve done.”

Domestic Terrorists In Oregon Need Snacks

The Oregon lunatics need snacks. pic.twitter.com/YnAOM3hPQk

— Imraan Siddiqi (@imraansiddiqi) January 3, 2016

Of course, the Twitterverse enjoyed this one:

@TwoOneSix216 @imraansiddiqi Seriously, they forget the snacks? Amateurs.

— Noodleepoodlee (@Noodleepoodlee1) January 4, 2016

@Clarknt67 @imraansiddiqi I'm sending homemade tabouleh and mujadrah.

— Mark W. Schumann (@MarkWSchumann) January 3, 2016

Do you think they would accept a falafel care package?

— Imraan Siddiqi (@imraansiddiqi) January 3, 2016

@imraansiddiqi @CarriePotter_ Make sure to send them genuine American food, like pizza and nachos.

— Alex Hardison (@euchrid) January 3, 2016

I should add that I'm munching on Ritz crackers and swiss cheese as I write this. Should I send some to the terrorists?

Armed Militia Take Over Federal Building In Anti-Government Call-To-Arms

(Les Zaitz / Associated Press)

A protest in support of Oregon ranchers facing jail time for arson has escalated into an armed takeover of a federal wildlife building and an anti-government call-to-arms.

From USAToday:

The protest and takeover is being led by Ammon Bundy, son of Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy, who was involved in a previous standoff with the government over grazing rights, and two of his brothers. The brothers are calling on anti-government militia members from all over the country to join the seizure of the headquarters building of the remote Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, some 300 miles southeast of Portland.

"We're planning on staying here for years, absolutely," Ammon Bundy told TheOregonian on Saturday. "This is not a decision we've made at the last minute."

The occupation came after an estimated 300 marchers — militia and local citizens — paraded through Burns to protest the prosecution of two Harney County ranchers, Dwight Hammond Jr., 73, and Steven Hammond, 46, who are to report to prison Monday, according to The Oregonian.

The pair said they lit the fires in 2001 and 2006 to reduce the growth of invasive plants and protect their property from wildfires. They were convicted of the arsons three years ago and served time — the father three months, the son one year.

But a judge ruled their terms were too short under federal law and ordered them back to prison for about four years each. Dwight Hammond has said he and his son plan to peacefully report to prison Monday, as the judge ordered.

Through their lawyer, the Hammonds have distanced themselves from the Bundys, according to CBS News. "Neither Ammon Bundy nor anyone within his group/organization speak for the Hammond Family," lawyer W. Alan Schroeder wrote to Harney County Sheriff Dave Ward, according to the network.

My first thought when I read this was, "Can you imagine what would have happened if the "militia" was led by Muslim-Americans?

Or if they were black?

According to reports, the vast majority of the "militia" is from out of state. Even though they claim there are there for the local citizens, the locals have told the media they don't want them there.

In response to the actions taken by the "militia," local schools have been ordered closed for the week out of concern for children's safety.

I get the feeling that a lot of these guys were the same ones who said about the uprising in Ferguson: "If they had just obeyed the orders of local law enforcement..."

Some responses on Twitter - the first is from a reporter at the Oregonian:

I talked to Ryan Bundy on the phone again. He said they're willing to kill and be killed if necessary. #OregonUnderAttack

— Ian Kullgren (@IanKullgren) January 3, 2016

We send national guards & military to #Ferguson for protesters & watch on every network but white militia take over a federal building, nah.

— Linda Sarsour (@lsarsour) January 3, 2016

Let me get this straight. 150 armed white men are occupying a federal building & this somehow isn't considered terrorism. #OregonUnderAttack

— Farid Senzai (@Farid_Senzai) January 3, 2016

So what qualifies you as a "militia"? Cause last time I checked 150 men with semi automatic weapons in my hood is a gang #OregonUnderAttack

— IG: tonylcaldwell (@tonycaldwell) January 3, 2016

We all know these terrorists would be DEAD ALREADY if they were black or Muslim. #OregonUnderAttack pic.twitter.com/Al6B5mzWv7

— Scott Wooledge (@Clarknt67) January 3, 2016

Not a Militia but Armed Terrorists on Domestic soil. Just call it what it is Terrorism #OregonUnderAttack pic.twitter.com/Kg3U7cTpEy

— Thesheepingofamerica (@tsoamerica) January 3, 2016

"Patriot" is whitespeak for "terrorist." #ThingsILearnedToday #OregonUnderAttack

— Cody R. Wilson (@Radomysisky) January 3, 2016

12 y/o playing in park: Dead Woman no turn signal: Dead Man sells cigarette:Dead 150 armed white men in fed building Fine #OregonUnderAttack

— Matt Garrett (@Matt44G) January 3, 2016

Imagine the sheer excitement on @FoxNews and talk radio if 150 armed Muslims took over a federal building #OregonUnderAttack

— Umar Lee (@STLAbuBadu) January 3, 2016

So I guess a white "militia" w/guns is no big deal. While a 12 y.o. w/a toy gun is dangerous & scares cops to kill him. #OregonUnderAttack

— K Kelly (@GrainOfSands) January 3, 2016

And this cartoon has been tweeted and retweeted thousands of times:

Oregon's Anti-Gay Bakers Finally Pay Fine For Discriminating Against Same-Sex Couple

The anti-gay owners of the Oregon bakery, Sweet Cakes by Melissa, have finally paid the $136,927 fine levied against the business for refusing to bake a wedding cake for a same-sex wedding.

Aaron and Melissa Klein, the owners of Sweet Cakes by Melissa, refused to bake a cake for Rachel and Laurel Bowman-Cryer, saying it would infringe on their religious beliefs.

In July, Oregon Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian ordered the Kleins pay $135,000 for emotional damages suffered by the couple.

"This case is not about a wedding cake or a marriage. It is about a business's refusal to serve someone because of their sexual orientation. Under Oregon law, that is illegal," the bureau's final order states.

After several months of refusing to pay the damages, Aaron Klein delivered the check (with accrued interest) to the State of Oregon's Bureau of Labor and Industries offices in Portland on Monday.

While the far right-wing zealots tried to make the case about same-sex marriage, the business was actually fined for discriminating due to sexual orientation, which has been illegal in the state for years.

It's also worth noting that a Christian crowd-funding campaign raised over $500K for the couple, so the issue actually became a money-making episode.

The state will hold onto the funds until the full appeals process is exhausted.

(h/t JMG)

GoFundMe Campaign For Oregon Shooting Hero Chris Mintz Raises Over $612K

Focusing on some good news - according to reports, the student and Army veteran who witnesses say charged the shooter during the gunman's rampage at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Oregon, is alert and awake at the hospital as he recovers.

Chris Mintz, 30, was shot seven times during the Thursday rampage, but he says his main concern is about the others who were injured.

Mintz left a short message on his Facebook page last night saying, "Hope the others injured and their families are doing well, goodnight for me."

A GoFundMe page was set up to help Mintz with his medical bills and it's soared past the original goal of $10,000 to over $612,000. Mintz will need extensive medical support as both legs were broken during his confrontation with the shooter.

If you'd like to make a donation, click here for the GoFundMe page for Chris.

In recovery after surgery

Chris' Instagram account is also getting some attention
for good reason...

Oregon: Homophobic Bakers Send Cakes And Anti-Gay Movie Packages To LGBT Groups

Melissa and Aaron Klein, the former owners of Sweet Cakes by Melissa, stepped back into the spotlight this week when they sent what appeared to be "apology" packages to 10 LGBT groups comprised of a cake with the message "We Really Do Love You!" and a copy of the anti-gay movie Audacity.

You'll recall the Kleins refused to bake a wedding cake for a same-sex wedding and ended up being fined $135K for violating Oregon's public accommodation laws. They eventually closed their bakery when the story became public and sales dried up.

However, the incident became a windfall for the couple as anti-gay supporters raised over $350K in donations for the couple via crowd funding.

Melissa Klein gave this statement to the Oregonian about the "apology" packages:

"Our purpose is to express our love for them as a Christian.

"We don't hate them. We also included in the package the movie Audacity. I feel it is a well done movie that shows what being a Christian is about. My hope is that they will watch it and maybe just understand our heart. We want to show them that it's not about not serving them it's about not being able to partake in an event."

The idea for the "apology" packages apparently came from San Diego Gay and Lesbian News reports televangelist Ray Comfort, who produced Audacity.

According to Comfort, “We are like doctors with a cure for cancer."

San Diego’s Canvass for a Cause was one of ten LGBT organizations to receive a cake, but the group decided to place the package on auction via eBay.

“This is not an ’I am sorry cake,’” says Cavass director Cathy Carmack. “There is no apology included with the cake because the Kleins are not sorry. ”

Oregon Bans "Ex-Gay" Therapy For LGBT Youth

Via press release from the National Center for Lesbian Rights:

Today, the Oregon State Senate passed HB 2307, a bill that will protect lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth from the dangerous and discredited practice of conversion therapy. The bill was overwhelmingly approved by the State House on March 17 and is now heading to the desk of Governor Kate Brown who is expected to sign it into law. When signed into law, Oregon will become the fourth jurisdiction—behind California, New Jersey, and the District of Columbia—to pass legislation protecting LGBT youth from the serious harms caused by these practices, which have been linked to substance abuse, serious depression, and even suicide.

HRC and NCLR have partnered with state equality groups across the nation to pass state legislation to end this dangerous practice, including laws passed in California, New Jersey, and the District of Columbia. In August of 2013, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld California’s ban which was signed into law by Democratic Governor Jerry Brown in 2012. On Monday May 4, 2015 the U.S. Supreme Court declined to review the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decision to upheld New Jersey’s ban which was signed into law by Republican Governor Chris Christie in August of 2013. NCLR attorneys have assisted in the defense of every state bill to date.

More at NCLR.org.

GoFundMe Cancels Anti-Gay Oregon Bakers Money Beg

Aaron Klein of Sweet Cakes by Melissa

I wrote yesterday about the anti-gay Oregon bakers at Sweet Cakes by Melissa who are looking at a $135,000 fine for breaking public accommodation laws by not serving a lesbian couple.

The bakers took to GoFundMe to raise money from strangers to pay for their lawbreaking habits.

Within hours the campaign raised $110,000 but was halted by GoFundMe because raising money for breaking the law is against the Terms and Conditions of the website:

"After careful review by our team, we have found the "Support Sweet Cakes By Melissa" campaign to be in violation of our Terms and Conditions. The money raised thus far will still be made available for withdrawal. While a different campaign was recently permitted for a pizzeria in Indiana, no laws were violated and the campaign remained live. However, the subjects of the "Support Sweet Cakes By Melissa" campaign have been formally charged by local authorities and found to be in violation of Oregon state law concerning discriminatory acts. Accordingly, the campaign has been disabled."

In the end, the bakers look to pocket $110,000.

Boo.

Oregon Judge Suggests $135K Fine For Anti-Gay Bakers

Aaron Klein of Sweet Cakes by Melissa

Sweet Cakes by Melissa, a bakery in Gresham, Oregon, has been fined $135,000 in a decision by an administrative law judge for the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries.

Judge Alan McCullough issued his proposed fines today. The amount is not final, however. The State Labor Commissioner will have final say on the fine amount.

The controversy began in January 2013 when Aaron Klein turned away Rachel Bowman-Cryer and her mother at a cake-tasting appointment they had set up with Melissa Klein. Melissa Klein was not at the shop that day.

In August 2013, the women complained to BOLI. The agency conducted an investigation and in January 2014 brought charges that the Kleins had unlawfully discriminated against the couple because of their sexual orientation.

In a statement Friday, BOLI said: "The facts of this case clearly demonstrate that the Kleins unlawfully discriminated against the Complainants. Under Oregon law, businesses cannot discriminate or refuse service based on sexual orientation, just as they cannot turn customers away because of race, sex, disability, age or religion. Our agency is committed to fair and thorough enforcement of Oregon civil rights laws, including the Equality Act of 2007."

The Kleins have already set up a GoFundMe campaign to raise money to pay the fine. Over 12,000 was raise in less than three hours.