Photo: Saul Loeb (Getty Images) A Colorado web developer refusing to offer website services to a same-sex couple has found herself at the center of a national debate over the legal limits of free speech and anti-discrimination laws. The Supreme Court on Tuesday said it would take up the web designer’s case that, if ruled in her favor, could alter legal precedent around whether businesses are legally allowed to deny services to groups based on religious exemptions. Critics fear a ruling in the web developer’s favor could potentially have disastrous implications for LGBTQ people throughout the country. The developer, 303 Creative owner Lorie Smith, claims a Colorado anti-discrimination law violated her First Amendment rights to speech and freedom of religious expression by compelling her to provide services to a same-sex couple despite her religious objections. Colorado Senior Kudge Mary Beck Briscoe however argued allowing Smith to decline services would, “relegate LGBT consumers to an inferior market,” Law Week Colorado notes . A federal appeals court ruled against Smith. “Lorie seeks to bring glory to God by creating a unique expression that shares her religious beliefs, including her faith’s view that marriage is between one man and woman, and she […]
