TUALATIN, Ore. — A judge is hearing testimony regarding damages in the case of two Oregon bakers who refused to bake a wedding cake for a lesbian couple in 2013.
Lawyers for both sides began making their cases Tuesday during the first day of a hearing that may extend into Thursday.
Administrative Law Judge Alan McCullough earlier rejected the bakers’ contention that the state’s discrimination laws violate their religious freedom.
Get the Daily Brief
The news you care about, reported on by the people who care about you:
He found that Melissa and Aaron Klein, owners of Sweet Cakes by Melissa, unlawfully discriminated against the same-sex couple by denying them full and equal access to a place of public accommodation.
The controversy began when Rachel Cryer and Laurel Bowman went to the Sweet Cakes shop seeking a wedding cake. When they learned there were two brides, the Kleins refused to make a cake.
The Kleins have since closed the shop and moved their business to their home.
Article continues below
Now married, Rachel Bowman-Cryer testified Tuesday about the emotional stress she says she experienced due to the service refusal and the media coverage that followed.
McCullough will take the case under advisement before making a recommendation to state Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian.
