BAKERS TO SCOTUS: TOLERATE AND PROTECT CAKEMAKER’S ARTISTIC EXPRESSION, RELIGIOUS LIBERTY

Washington, D.C., Sept. 08, 2017 -- Attorneys with First Liberty Institute filed a friend-of-the-court brief with the Supreme Court of the United States on behalf of their clients, Aaron and Melissa Klein.

“In a diverse, tolerant society, we should respect the freedom of conscience, not drive families out of business because the government will not tolerate their religious beliefs,” says Kelly Shackelford, President and CEO of First Liberty.

Aaron and Melissa Klein were penalized $135,000 by the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industry (BOLI) after they declined to create a custom wedding cake that would celebrate a same-sex marriage.  The Kleins are awaiting a decision by the Oregon Court of Appeals as to whether BOLI violated their constitutional rights to religious freedom, free speech, and due process.

“The First Amendment stands for the principle that government cannot compel art or speech,” said Stephanie Taub, Counsel with First Liberty. “The Supreme Court has an obligation to ensure that freedoms of speech and religious expression are preserved for all Americans.”

Read more about this case at FirstLiberty.org/Kleins. 

About First Liberty Institute

First Liberty Institute is the largest legal organization in the nation dedicated exclusively to defending religious freedom for all Americans.
 

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Attachments:

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2e0b42f8-97ee-491d-82a0-5a5a429eb93e

Abigail Doty
First Liberty Institute
469-440-7598
[email protected]