An Indiana bakery has officially closed its doors after being embroiled in controversy for months over its refusal to accept a cake order for a same-sex commitment ceremony.
The 111 Cakery refused the order in March 2014, and co-owner Trish McGath had been taking a break from the business since the end of December.
After McGath and her husband, Randy, declined to make the cake for two gay men, the story was picked up by a local news station. Soon, the couple became the talk of social media, and received threats as well as support for their decision.
"We had people from all over — from Brownsburg and Lafayette," Randy said of the customers that rallied around them.
The bakery was situated in a part of Indianapolis known for its strong ties to the gay community- a fact the McGath's were aware of when they opened their business there in 2012
Although they served gay customers, they "just didn't want to be party to a commitment ceremony" because such an event celebrated "a commitment to sin," Randy explained.
The entrepreneur, who now sells recreational vehicles, said the decision was not an attack against the gay community.
"There was zero hate here," said Randy. "We were just trying to be right with our God. I was able to speak to many homosexuals in the community and to speak our opinion and have a civil conversation. I'm still in touch with some.
Trish, who did most of the baking, complained that the business "was wearing her out," however. She also wanted to spend more time with her grandchildren.
Aaron and Melissa Klein of Oregon's Sweet Cakes bakery were found guilty of discrimination in January after they refused an LGBT cake order two years ago. The couple faces paying up to $150,000 in damages, which will be determined on March 10.
