In 2013, Sweetcakes bakery, owned by Melissa and Aaron Klein, challenged the Oregon Court of Appeals. The Kleins refused to bake a wedding cake for a homosexual couple, Rachel and Laurel Bowman-Cryer, based on their Christian beliefs. The lesbian couple was distraught over the refusal, claiming that the Klein’s actions were discriminatory against them because of their sexual orientation. The bakers argued with the first amendment rights to freedom of speech, religion, and expression. After appealing to the Court of Oregon, the Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) found “that the Kleins’ refusal to provide a wedding cake to the complainants, a same-sex couple, violated ORS 659A.403, which prohibits a place of public accommodation from denying …show more content…
The First Amendment to the US Constitution prevents congress from establishing any law that “prohibits free practice” of religion or “abridging the freedom of speech” (Constitution). Supporters argue that to create a law forcing small businesses to serve all customers, even if the service goes against their personal religious beliefs, would be unconstitutional. Similarly, forcing a business worker or owner to use their artistic talents to take part in something they do not agree with, for example a gay wedding, goes against the freedoms of speech and expression. However, there are countries that do not have these protections, and Congress does not have the right to suppress free exercise of religion in the United …show more content…
Although the opponents to the right to refusal argue that it is discrimination, and could lead to future discrimination, businesses owners should be allowed to make a decision based on their religious convictions. In the United States, first amendment rights, including freedom of speech, artistic expression, and religion, are protected. More resources would be needed to fully examine this issue in countries without constitutional rights to religion and speech. Through a worldwide scope, small businesses that are privately owned have no obligation to listen to the government about who they choose to serve and who they choose not to serve. For example, the Kleins, owners of Sweetcakes bakery, refused service, but not because they had a hatred towards the homosexual couple that requested a wedding cake. They refused service due to their Christian beliefs (Richardson). Cake is an artistic expression. In the same way, it should not be mandatory for small businesses, such as makeup artists, florists, and dress designers, to be forced to use their talents and abilities to involve themselves in an event they do not agree with based on their religion. This is not discrimination. When a bakery or another small business is obligated to put effort and hard work into a cake and, in turn, take part in an event that they do not agree with, such as a gay wedding, it is equivalent to forcing