On July 2,2015, Melissa and Aaron Klein, the owners of Sweet Cakes by Melissa, were fined $135,000 for declining to prepare a cake for a same-sex wedding ceremony.  Furthermore, they were ordered to “cease and desist” from speaking publicly as to why they made their decision. This hefty fine is a clear assault on the Kleins’ religious freedoms. As Christian business-owners, their choice in refusing to bake this wedding cake was not an act of discrimination due to the customers’ sexual orientation. These owners have repeatedly stated that in the past they have consistently chosen to serve various LGBT clients. In this particular case, however, the Kleins chose to act in accordance with their religious convictions; participating in a same-sex wedding in any capacity would have stood in direct opposition to their Christian beliefs.

Commissioner Avakian, as a public servant, your decision to punish these business owners for their views is an egregious violation of their religious liberties. In addition to this, you also ordered them to refrain from speaking about their reasons as to why they withheld services from this lesbian couple, which signals a disturbing encroachment upon their First Amendment rights. We, the undersigned, assert that it is unlawful for an American politician to threaten and remove the rights of these citizens based on their religious values. We call on you, Commissioner Avakian, to remove the $135,000 fine against the Kleins, as well as the gag order that forbids them from speaking about this issue. These business owners have the right to operate their bakery in a way that complies with their Christian worldview without fear of reprisal.