A Christian graphic designer who objections to building homosexual wedding websites is
before the Supreme Court.
Washington Monday, the Supreme Court will hear the case of a Christian graphic
designer who objected to developing wedding websites for homosexual couples.
The designer and her supporters argue a decision against her would compel artists to work
against their religion. Her opponents warn that if she wins, companies would be permitted to discriminate against Black consumers, Jews, Muslims, interracial couples, and immigrants.
The court is 6-3 conservative and has sided with religious litigants in a number of decisions. Congress is finishing a historic measure safeguarding same-sex marriage across the street from the court.
The initiative, which protects interracial marriage, gathered support after the high court’s
abortion ruling this year. This vote to overturn Roe v. Wade raised doubts about whether the court, now more conservative, may also reverse its 2015 ruling on same-sex marriage.
Clarence Thomas suggested the ruling should be reexamined.
Lorie Smith, a Colorado web designer and graphic artist, wants to provide wedding websites.
Smith’s Christian beliefs stops her from celebrating same-sex weddings. State legislation
may prohibit it. If Smith sells wedding websites to the public in Colorado, she must offer
them to all clients. Lawbreakers may be fined.
Five years ago, the Supreme Court reviewed a separate argument involving Colorado’s
legislation and a baker who objected to making a lesbian wedding cake. This case
concluded with a limited decision, sending it back to the Supreme Court. Kristen Waggoner
of ADF represents Smith.
Smith claims she doesn’t mind working with homosexual individuals, like Phillips. She claims she’d assist a homosexual customer with graphics for an animal shelter or a children’s charity. She claims she won’t produce messages favoring same-sex marriage, atheism, gambling, or abortion.
Colorado’s statute infringes Smith’s free speech rights. Her opponents, including the Biden
administration and the ACLU, disagree.
Twenty generally liberal states, including California and New York, back Colorado, while 20
mostly Republican states back Smith.