Fox News Flash top headlines for June 7 This week, the Washington state Supreme Court disregarded the U.S. Supreme Court when it reaffirmed its earlier decision to allow the state to punish Barronelle Stutzman, the owner of Arlene’s Flowers, for living out her religious beliefs in her business. The Washington court reaffirmed its own 2017 ruling despite the U.S. Supreme Court sending the case back to Washington in light of last year’s Masterpiece Cakeshop decision , in which the Justices condemned the state acting out of hostility toward the beliefs of religious Americans. While it’s very likely attorneys for Barronelle will appeal the state court’s decision to the Supreme Court again, the high court is currently deciding whether to review another case that could also be the vehicle for settling this debate once and for all. Sooner or later, government compelling the speech of citizens against their conscience must be stopped. The case of “Sweetcakes by Melissa” presents the Court with an opportunity to provide clarity to businesses, large and small, on the fundamental question of whether they may operate in accordance with deeply held convictions – or be forced by the state to abandon their First Amendment rights […]
