NYCF Offers Reaction To 303 Creative Decision
Written by on June 30, 2023
ALBANY, NY— In a 6-3 decision in 303 Creative v. Elenis, the Supreme Court of the United States decided the latest in a growing list of cases where laws barring discrimination based upon sexual orientation conflict with Christians’ constitutional rights. Lorie Smith is a graphic artist who resides in Colorado. Smith wishes to design wedding websites; however, as a Christian, she is unwilling to design “wedding” websites for same-sex ceremonies. Colorado law does not permit Smith to opt out of providing same-sex “wedding” websites, while Smith contends that the First Amendment protects her right not to engage in speech with which she disagrees.
Jason J. McGuire, executive director of New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms, offered the following reaction:
“Today, in a decision we celebrate, the Supreme Court of the United States correctly ruled that a Colorado law that purports to require a Christian web designer to provide websites for same-sex ‘wedding’ ceremonies violates the First Amendment right to free speech.”
“The Court’s decision in 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis is a relief for Christian-owned businesses across the United States. Over the past decade, pro-LGBT activists and their allies have used antidiscrimination laws to punish Christians—including photographers, a baker, a florist, and an event hall owner, among others—who, based on their sincerely-held convictions, declined to participate in same-sex ceremonies. Laws against discrimination are supposed to be used as shields to protect people from mistreatment, not as swords to attack people for what they believe. New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms thanks Lorie Smith of 303 Creative LLC and her attorneys at Alliance Defending Freedom for taking a brave stand against the bullies in legislatures and attorney generals’ offices who have sought to impose their militant agenda at the expense of free speech and religious liberty.”
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New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms is New York’s statewide evangelical Christian advocacy group.
