Atheism news: It looks like the owners of Sweet Cakes by Melissa aren't out of the muck quite yet with news of just how much they might be fined hitting the media. The cost of their horrifying display of discrimination will likely cost them as much as $50,000.00 and given the latest news, they might be able to afford their discriminatory practices...for now. As of Feb. 9, 2013, it's been reported that the Gresham, Ore. bakery has noticed a "bump" in sales -- mostly "supporters" of their religious stance purchasing a cupcake at a time when they didn't before this controversy. It's actually comparable to what happened with Chick-fil-A when conservatives and homophobic Christians visited the restaurant chain in droves last year. The increase in profit being made by the Gresham bakery was revealed after a moderate protest was held outside the shop. It may appear as though protests weren't successful this time around, but could the Kleins soon face a more aggressive protest against their actions?
While picketing outside of businesses is a good way to get a peaceful point across, same sex couples and those who are against religious harm inflicted on the public are encouraged by various sources to protest more actively. Some people are calling for boycotts such as on the "Boycott Sweet Cakes by Melissa" Facebook page, and others are writing letters to Oregon officials asking when something will be done about this violation of civil rights and discrimination laws. However, it should be known that same sex couples could also demand that Aaron and Melissa Klein sell the cakes they are known for baking. Of course the Kleins will refuse service to any same sex couple who wants something for a romantic function such as a union or wedding, but each violation could carry a fine of $50,000, and that adds up when several people file complaints regarding discrimination and not just one.
It should be asked, though, if the Kleins would discriminate against other groups are deemed unworthy of acceptance by their religious teachings. Would Sweet Cakes by Melissa discriminate against an atheist couple as well? This is a time when atheists need to get behind the LGBTQ community with as much passion as we display for our own causes. Many atheists are also gay, so this whole entire mess is just one big display of religious harm -- something antitheists and atheists stand against strongly, and forever will.
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