Justices ruled in favor of a Colorado web designer who challenged the state’s anti-discrimination law.
The Supreme Court cited First Amendment protections of free speech in the decision that states a Colorado graphics designer cannot be required to create a same-sex wedding website.
Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote in the majority opinion, “In this case, Colorado seeks to force an individual to speak in ways that align with its views but defy her conscience about a matter of major significance.” He continued, “But, as this Court has long held, the opportunity to think for ourselves and to express those thoughts freely is among our most cherished liberties and part of what keeps our Republic strong.”
He added, “But tolerance, not coercion, is our Nation’s answer. The First Amendment envisions the United States as a rich and complex place where all persons are free to think and speak as they wish, not as the government demands. Because Colorado seeks to deny that promise, the judgment is reversed.”
Justice Sonia Sotomayor along with Justices Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson dissented from the opinion. The court did not rule on the religious reasons the graphics designer asserted.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For the justices of the Supreme Court as they choose the appeals they will consider in the fall term.
- For state legislatures and attorneys general to consider the freedoms protected under the Bill of Rights as they pass laws.
Sources: SCOTUS Blog, Fox News, Newsmax
