Colorado will pay over $1.5 million as part of a settlement involving Christian website designer Lorie Smith, owner of 303 Creative. This agreement follows a landmark Supreme Court ruling affirming that Smith cannot be compelled to create websites conflicting with her religious beliefs.
The case began in 2016 when Smith challenged Colorado’s Anti-Discrimination Act, arguing it would force her to design websites celebrating same-sex marriages, which she opposes on religious grounds. Initially, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit ruled against her in 2021, stating Colorado had a legitimate interest in ensuring marginalized groups could access commercial services.
The Supreme Court later reviewed the case and, in June 2023, ruled 6-3 in Smith’s favor. Justice Neil Gorsuch, writing for the majority, emphasized that “no public accommodations law is immune from the demands of the Constitution,” asserting the government cannot compel speech or infringe on individual beliefs.
The Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), which represented Smith, announced the settlement, confirming the state agreed to cover over $1.5 million in legal fees. Kristen Waggoner, ADF’s CEO, celebrated the decision as a victory for free expression. “The government cannot force Americans to say things they don’t believe,” she stated, adding that Colorado officials have faced significant consequences for violating this fundamental freedom.
Waggoner also highlighted the organization’s belief in traditional marriage and the importance of preserving free speech rights in society. She argued that no government should silence individuals for expressing their views on marriage.
Justice Gorsuch further underscored the risks of allowing government interference in speech, using a hypothetical scenario to illustrate how compelled messaging undermines First Amendment protections.
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