High Court’s Landmark Decision: A Victory for Free Speech and Faith

Supreme Court building with columns and statues.

Colorado agrees to pay $1.5 million to Christian web designer after losing Supreme Court case on free speech and religious liberty.

At a Glance

U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6-3 in favor of Lorie Smith, a Christian web designer
Colorado to pay over $1.5 million in legal fees to Smith
Ruling upholds businesses’ right to refuse services based on free speech
Case highlights ongoing debate on religious liberty vs. anti-discrimination laws

Supreme Court’s Landmark Decision

In a pivotal ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court has sided with Lorie Smith, a Christian web designer from Colorado, in a case that pitted religious liberty against anti-discrimination laws. The 6-3 decision allows businesses to refuse services for same-sex weddings based on free speech rights, marking a significant victory for religious freedom advocates. The case challenged Colorado’s anti-discrimination laws, with Smith arguing that creating websites for same-sex weddings would violate her religious beliefs.

Justice Neil Gorsuch, writing for the majority, emphasized that public accommodations laws must comply with constitutional demands and protect free speech. This ruling underscores the Court’s commitment to protecting First Amendment rights, even in cases where such protections may conflict with anti-discrimination efforts.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of web designer Lorie Smith in 2023, declaring that the First Amendment allows religious owners of creative businesses to refuse to serve same-sex couples. Now the state will pay her attorney fees. https://t.co/r7gBzSIeis

— Denver Westword (@denverwestword) November 21, 2024

Financial Implications and Legal Battle

Following the Supreme Court’s decision, Colorado has agreed to settle the case by paying over $1.5 million in legal fees to Lorie Smith. This substantial sum, while less than the nearly $2 million initially sought, covers 2,174.4 hours of legal work. The settlement marks the end of a prolonged legal battle that began when Smith challenged the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act, fearing it would force her to violate her belief in traditional marriage.

The Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), a conservative law firm that supported Smith’s case, hailed the ruling as a landmark victory for free speech. ADF CEO and President Kristen Waggoner emphasized that the government cannot force Americans to express views that contradict their beliefs, suggesting that Colorado officials will face consequences for violating this fundamental freedom.

Broader Implications and Dissenting Views

While the ruling has been celebrated by religious liberty advocates, it has also sparked concern among civil rights groups. Justice Sonia Sotomayor, in her dissenting opinion, argued that the decision allows businesses to refuse service to protected classes, which she believes is incorrect and potentially harmful to marginalized communities.

“The First Amendment prohibits Colorado from forcing a website designer to create expressive designs speaking messages with which the designer disagrees…. The First Amendment’s protections belong to all, not just to speakers whose motives the government finds worthy. 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.” stated Justice Neil Gorsuch.

The case highlights ongoing legal battles faced by business owners like Jack Phillips, who also challenged Colorado’s law in the Masterpiece Cakeshop case. It underscores the tension between religious freedom and anti-discrimination laws, a debate that continues to shape American jurisprudence and social policy.

Smith’s Response and Future Implications

Lorie Smith expressed gratitude for the ruling, emphasizing its broader implications for all Americans. She stated that the decision protects not only those who share her beliefs but also those with different views, affirming the universal right to free speech. Smith reiterated her commitment to working with all clients, including those who identify as LGBT, maintaining that her objection is to the message requested, not the individual making the request.

As Colorado taxpayers bear the cost of the legal fees, the case serves as a reminder of the high stakes involved in balancing religious liberty with anti-discrimination efforts. The Supreme Court’s decision will likely influence future cases involving similar conflicts between free speech, religious beliefs, and civil rights protections, continuing to shape the legal landscape of America’s ongoing cultural debates.