In a landmark decision, the United States Supreme Court has ruled that a Colorado-based graphic designer cannot be compelled to create art that violates her deeply held religious beliefs. The case, brought forward by Lorie Smith, revolved around her refusal to design wedding websites for same-sex marriages, citing her religious objections.
Represented by the Alliance Defending Freedom, Smith challenged Colorado’s anti-discrimination law, which prohibits discrimination or harassment on the basis of sex, including sexual orientation. The Supreme Court deliberated on whether this law infringed upon Smith’s rights and ultimately ruled in her favor by a 6-3 majority vote.
Chief Justice John Roberts, along with Justices Neil Gorsuch, Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett, formed the majority, emphasizing that the government cannot force individuals to engage in speech that contradicts their beliefs. Justice Gorsuch, writing for the majority, stated, “The First Amendment prohibits Colorado from forcing a website designer to create expressive designs speaking messages with which the designer disagrees.”
The ruling emphasized the importance of free speech and individual conscience, stressing that the protections afforded by the First Amendment belong to all citizens, regardless of whether their viewpoints align with those of the government. Gorsuch added, “Consistent with the First Amendment, the Nation’s answer is tolerance, not coercion. Colorado cannot deny that promise consistent with the First Amendment.”
However, dissenting Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, and Ketanji Brown Jackson argued against the majority decision, expressing concern that it would perpetuate discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community. Sotomayor referred to the ruling as “profoundly wrong” and suggested it would relegate gays and lesbians to a “second-class status.”
Lorie Smith, the graphic designer at the center of the case, expressed her relief following the ruling. In an interview with the Daily Signal, Smith explained, “I love what I do… I have clients who identify as LGBT.” She emphasized her desire to create unique artwork but asserted that the state of Colorado was infringing upon her freedom of speech by forcing her to design websites that celebrated messages about marriage contrary to her beliefs.
The Supreme Court’s decision sets a significant precedent in safeguarding individuals’ religious liberties and their right to express their convictions without being compelled to engage in speech that conflicts with their beliefs. The ruling underscores the First Amendment’s commitment to a diverse and tolerant society, where all individuals are free to express their thoughts and beliefs, irrespective of government demands.
