An Oregon judge has proposed awarding a same-sex couple $135,000 in damages after a bakery refused to make a cake for their wedding.
The two women asked Sweet Cakes bakery in Gresham to make a wedding cake. The owners turned them down, saying it would violate their religious beliefs. The couple filed a discrimination complaint with the state, saying the bakery's action caused emotional suffering.
A 2007 Oregon law prohibits businesses from discriminating based on sexual orientation. The Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries said complaints under the law are rare.
The damages award in the Sweet Cakes case can be appealed. The couple who owned the bakery closed their storefront but are still in business online.
A conservative Christian group has started an online fundraiser to help them with legal bills.
Editor's note: this story has been edited to clarify that the judge's award is a proposed order that can be appealed.
Copyright 2015 Northwest News Network
