WASHINGTON (Michigan News Source) – The U.S. Supreme Court will hear a case Monday between a Christian graphic artist who – contrary to Colorado law – objects to designing wedding websites for homosexual couples.  

Lorie Smith, a graphic artist and owner of 303 Creative near Denver, CO, and her supporters argue that ruling against her would force artists, including painters, photographers, writers, and musicians, to do work that violates tenets of their faith.  Opponents contend that businesses would be able to discriminate and refuse to serve various customers including African Americans, Jewish or Muslim people, and even interracial or interfaith couples.  

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The case comes just under a week after the Respect for Marriage act was passed in the Senate without any amendments.  The bill would enshrine same-sex and interracial marriage into federal law, and was approved 61-36.  The bill was proposed over the summer after concerns whether the overturning of Roe v. Wade would also share the fate of the 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges.   

Smith maintains that her Christian faith prevents her from creating websites celebrating same-sex marriages.  Colorado’s Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA) a public accommodation law, says that if Smith offers wedding websites to the public, she must provide her services to all customers; businesses that do not comply could face fines among other consequences.  

“When my clients come to 303 Creative, what they can expect is someone who cares and has a passion for their business as well,” Smith said, “Each and every one of my [designs] is a reflection of me.”

This case bears some similarities to the Colorado baker, Jack Phillips, who refused to make a wedding cake for a same-sex couple sighting religious objections.  The Supreme Court ruled that the Colorado Civil Rights Commission, who ruled against Phillips, had violated his rights under the First Amendment.  

Smith says her objection is not to working with gay people, and that she has worked with a gay client who needed help with graphics for an animal rescue shelter.  And has also worked on a project to promote an organization serving children with disabilities.  She does however object to creating content that supports same-sex marriage, just as she would refuse jobs requiring her to create content promoting atheism, gambling, or abortion. 

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While her opponents among which are the Biden administration, groups such as the American Civil Liberties UNion, and NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund would disagree, Smith says that Colorado’s law violates her free speech rights. 

Smith will be represented by lawyer Kristen Waggoner of the Alliance Defending Freedom.