A Colorado web designer is appealing a ruling made Monday by the 10th Circuit Court that rejected her challenge of Colorado’s anti-discrimination law and requires her to create wedding websites for same-sex couples despite it violating her religious beliefs. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit ruled 2 – 1 the state can force Lorie Smith of studio 303 Creative to design and publish websites promoting messages that go against her personal religious beliefs. The law at issue also prevents Smith from explaining on her company’s website what sites she can create that are consistent with her beliefs. By making the decision, the three-judge panel overturned a lower court ruling throwing out Smith’s previous legal challenge and noting that Colorado had a compelling interest in protecting the "dignity interests" of members of marginalized groups through its law. The non-profit legal organization Alliance Defending Freedom, which represents Smith, has argued and continues to argue the law forces Smith to violate her First Amendment rights of freedom of religion and speech. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit ruled 2 – 1 Colorado can force Lorie Smith of studio 303 Creative to design and publish websites promoting […]
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