Antigay Sweet Cakes Bakery Now Out of Business

Sweet Cakes by Melissa refused to bake a cake for a lesbian couple and found themselves at the center of a media storm. Three years later, the bakery is closed.

Neal Broverman

Neal Broverman is the Editorial Director, Print of Pride Media, publishers of The Advocate, Out, Out Traveler, and Plus, spending more than 20 years in journalism. He indulges his interest in transportation and urban planning with regular contributions to Los Angeles magazine, and his work has also appeared in the Los Angeles Times and USA Today. He lives in the City of Angels with his husband, children, and their chiweenie.

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Neal Broverman

October 09 2016 3:37 PM EST

October 09 2016 3:44 PM EST

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Aaron and Melissa Klein abruptly announced the closure of their Gresham, Ore., bakery three and a half years after they ignited a firestorm by proudly refusing service to a same-sex couple.

Rachel and Laurel Bowman-Cryer were denied a wedding cake from the Kleins, who claimed their "religious freedom" allowed them to turn away the women. The Bowman-Cryers says the Kleins seized the opportunity to exploit the situation and become darlings of the religious right.

After being fined $135,000 by the Oregon Bureau of Labor for violating the state's 2007 Equality Act, the Kleins refused to pay and appealed to their supporters, who showered them with over $500,000 in donations. The Kleins still appealed the Bureau of Labor's decision and the Bowman-Cryers said that, as of last month, they haven't received a penny in restitution.

Now, the humble bakery has shuttered, Towleroad reports. The bakery's Facebook page only states, "We have closed Sweet Cakes. We appreciate everyone's continued prayer and support!"

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