Christian bakery 'Sweet Cakes' owners have bank accounts seized after refusing service to lesbian couple

Sweet Cakes bakery has seen better days, but since the refusal to provide a wedding cake to a lesbian couple, the owners were fined $135,000.

In 2007, an Oregon law was passed to protect the rights of gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgendered people in employment, public accommodations and housing. This law made it illegal for private businesses from discriminating against potential customers, but completely disregarded religious rights.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - As previously reported, Melissa and Aaron Klein stood for their religious rights when they refused to bake a wedding cake for lesbian couple Rachel Cryer-Bowman and Laurel Bowman-Cryer. Sadly, the state decided LGBT rights trump religious rights.

The Kleins were ordered to pay a fine of $135,000 to the couple, which they have refused to dispense.

"We feel like we shouldn't have to pay when we haven't even gotten due process," Melissa told TheBlaze.

She added, "We also feel like we're taking a stand for the next person ... that this could happen to. We don't wan to set a precedent. We want to fight this, and we want to fight this all the way."

Charlie Burr, Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries spokesman told the Daily Signal that his agency was "exploring collection options," but stated: "It's difficult to understand the Kleins' unwillingness to pay the debt when they have, very publicly, raised nearly a half million dollars," referring to donations from a crowdfunding campaign.

Burr stated, "They are entitled to a full and fair review of the case, but to not have the right to disregard a legally binding order."

Breitbart reported that the Kleins paid $136,927.07 on Monday, which included interest. They have also paid $7,000 earlier this month. However, the oddly short report did not mention what the state did to the Kleins.

Fox News divulged the whole story, after speaking with the Kleins earlier this month.

Oregon's Bureau of Labor and Industries confiscated the entire amount of the Klein's checking, savings and special tithing accounts.

Mere weeks before Christmas, Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian emptied the Klein's accounts, taking nearly $7,000.

When the Kleins were faced with a state-mandated nine percent interest penalty, they decided to write a check to the government. The money was what they raised through donations. Despite paying, their accounts were still wiped.

"It was like my breath was taken away," Melissa told Fox News. "I panicked. Everything was gone. We had three accounts. I have one account that's labeled, 'God's money' - our tithing. They just took it."

The Klein's attorney, Tyler Smith, reported the Kleins planned to fight up to the Supreme Court if that is what it would take. 

In a prepared statement, Smith said, "The least expensive option to stay in compliance with the law was to pay the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries funds that will be kept in a separate account until they prevail in their court appeal.

"Aaron and Melissa will continue to work to ensure that every American has the First Amendment right to express their faith-based beliefs, and to conduct their daily affairs according to their conscience."

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