Why Bakers Won't Pay Fine over Gay Wedding Cake

After almost three years,  Aaron and Melissa Klein's fight to protect their religious liberties continues. 

Their refusal to bake a cake for a same-sex wedding has led to the loss of their business, a threat of a property lien, and a $135,000 fine -- all for committing a crime equivalent to a traffic violation in the state of Oregon. 

Despite a tough few years, the couple remains determined to stand strong and not pay for exercising their constitutional rights.
 
"We feel very strong that we need to stand strong in this and if we just hand it over, we're giving up this fight. We're giving in and we're saying, 'Okay, you win,' and we're not standing up for the next person," said Melissa Klein, former owner of Sweet Cakes by Melissa.

That's why the couple wants to avoid setting a national precedent for future religious liberty cases by just handing over the money.

Aaron says the irony in their case is that the same-sex couple has publicly stated they do not want the money, that this was never about the money, and that the only person who wants to see the $135,000 fine change hands is Oregon Labor Commisioner Brad Avakian.

Even though the case is under appeal, Aaron and Melissa have been ordered to pay the fine before the appeals process goes through.

The state has not yet seized the couple's accounts or enforced any property liens, but that could change any day.

Even if it that day comes, the Kleins will not give up their fight to protect the religious liberty of all Americans.
 
"I constantly think about the next person in line that this is going to happen to, and if we don't stand up for them, then you know what's going to happen," Melissa said.
 
Aaron Klein reiterated that sentiment, saying, "We're going to continue to stand firm and fight this, and like Melissa said, we're not going to set precedence by just giving the money and then hoping that we get it back if we win on appeal."

In addition to prayers for their family and marriage, Aaron and Melissa ask that God soften the hearts of all the government officials involved in their case and cases like theirs, so that they can finally see an end to this ongoing ordeal.