Late last month, the United States Supreme Court ruled in a split decision that Colorado can’t force, through its anti-discrimination law, a business owner who provides expressive services like graphic design and website creation to make wedding websites for same-sex couples. To do so, the court found, would violate the First Amendment rights of Lorie Smith, owner of 303 Creative, as she’s a devout Christian who does not support same-sex marriage due to her religious beliefs. Still, the Supreme Court ruling made clear that businesses would be engaging in discrimination if they refuse to work with someone on the basis of who they are or if they belong to a particular group, according to attorneys. Businesses can’t withhold an expressive service based on things like the person’s race, sex, ethnicity, religious affiliation, sexual orientation and the like. The ruling has been celebrated by some as a victory for free speech and religious freedom. Critics have deeply derided the decision as a court-mandated catalyst for what they fear will be widespread discriminatory practices by businesses against vulnerable groups, such as the LGBTQ+ community. No matter the sentiment, the case promises to have real applications for promo companies who offer a […]
