In Oregon, business that are open to the public are open to all. With this ruling, the Court of Appeals has upheld the long-standing idea that discrimination has no place in America. Fifty years ago, this great nation had to decide whether “separate but equal” was a foundation upon which we could remain. We decided that all people deserve the right to be treated equally under the law. Now, Oregon’s laws ensures that people previously subject to discrimination can go about their lives without worrying whether they will be turned away from a store because of who they are or who they love. Without this ruling, businesses could determine who they serve. Granting a business like Sweet Cakes a right to turn away customers in violation of nondiscrimination laws would create a sweeping license to discriminate and have far-reaching, damaging consequences. All Oregonians can now go into any store and expect to be treated just like any other person. It does not matter how you were born or who you love. All of us are equal under the law and should be treated equally. Oregon will not allow a “Straight Couples Only” sign to be hung in bakeries or other stores. We want to thank our families, friends, and perfect strangers for all their support over the last five years. We could not have gotten through this trying time without their love and words of encouragement.