US supreme court backs designer who refused to work for gay couples

The US supreme court on Friday ruled in favour of Lorie Smith, a Christian graphic artist from Colorado who declined to design wedding websites for gay couples.

In 2022, Smith challenged Colorado’s anti-discrimination law, stating that it violates her right to free speech over same-sex marriages.

According to the Associated Press (AP), the court — with a 6-3 majority —  sided with the designer despite the existence of the Colorado law.

Neil Gorsuch, the judge, in authoring the majority opinion, emphasised the importance of individual freedom of thought and expression.

The judge said that compelling someone to speak against their beliefs is a violation of conscience.

“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 said.

“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,

“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 judgement is reversed.”

Kristen Waggoner, Smith’s lawyer, said the court’s decision serves as a victory for all Americans.

She said the government should not censor an individual like Smith for expressing her beliefs about marriage.

Waggoner added that protecting the freedom of expression for one individual sets a precedent for safeguarding the rights of others.

“This is a win for all Americans,” she said.

“The government should no more censor Lorie for speaking consistent with her beliefs about marriage than it should punish an LGBT graphic designer for declining to criticize same-sex marriage.

“If we desire freedom for ourselves, we must defend it for others.”