SCOTUS Rules Against State in 6-3 Decision

The state of Colorado is set to pay a significant sum following a Supreme Court decision that has major implications for religious and free speech rights.

At a Glance

Colorado agrees to pay over $1.5 million in legal fees to Lorie Smith following a Supreme Court victory.
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6-3 in favor of businesses refusing services on free speech grounds.
The ruling emphasizes and protects First Amendment rights, affecting similar future cases.
Legal and cultural discourse around religious freedoms continues to evolve.

The Supreme Court Decision

The U.S. Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision in favor of Lorie Smith represents a monumental moment for free speech and religious liberty in the United States. The court ruled that compelling someone to create a message contrary to their beliefs violates the First Amendment. Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote in the majority opinion that laws must comply with constitutional demands, stating, “The First Amendment prohibits Colorado from forcing a website designer to create expressive designs speaking messages with which the designer disagrees.”

This case reinforces the constitutional principle that protects individuals from government coercion in speaking against their conscience. Lorie Smith opposed creating content affirming same-sex marriage due to her Christian beliefs. The Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), which supported Smith, described the decision as a landmark victory. The ruling resonates with the earlier Masterpiece Cakeshop case, which involved similar issues of freedom and business rights.

‼️ BREAKING ‼️ Colorado has agreed to pay more than $1.5 million in attorneys’ fees for violating the First Amendment rights of graphic artist Lorie Smith, following her landmark Supreme Court victory in 303 Creative v. Elenis.

CO officials threatened and censored Lorie’s speech… pic.twitter.com/IicctcVLDb

— Alliance Defending Freedom (@ADFLegal) November 19, 2024

Colorado to Bear Financial Responsibilities

The legal journey culminated with Colorado agreeing to pay over $1.5 million in attorneys’ fees, a substantial payment but less than the nearly $2 million initially pursued by Smith. This was filed in a settlement notice with a federal district court. Taxpayers will shoulder this financial burden, a consequence of the state’s actions in enforcing the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act, which Smith feared would have forced her to act against her beliefs in traditional marriage.

ADF CEO and President Kristen Waggoner said in an announcement that the government cannot “force Americans to say things they don’t believe, and Colorado officials have paid and will continue to pay a high price when they violate this foundational freedom.”

Smith expressed gratitude towards her legal team and emphasized the broader implications for all Americans, noting that freedom of expression should remain intact for every individual, regardless of their perspective. The ruling’s ripple effect will potentially influence similar cases, offering hope to business owners nationwide, reminiscent of ongoing legal battles faced by Jack Phillips.

Impact on Future Cases

The decision echoes through ongoing legal challenges faced by business owners bound by their religious convictions. Smith, like Jack Phillips in the Masterpiece Cakeshop case, argued against being compelled to compromise her beliefs. This case surfaces broader dialogues concerning how public accommodation laws intersect with constitutional freedoms. Justice Sonia Sotomayor’s dissent highlighted potential concerns about businesses refusing services to protected classes, arguing the decision’s implications go against what she views as ethical service requirements.

“The First Amendment’s protections … belong to all, including to speakers whose motives others may find misinformed or offensive” – Justice Neil Gorsuch

The ruling is significant for offering a precedent safeguarding personal liberties versus government intervention mandates. As legal battles continue to unfold, the decision underscores the importance of protecting an individual’s right to free speech—a cornerstone of the democratic process and a testament to enduring principles cherished by the American populace.