(FreedomBeacon.com)- A case has reached the Supreme Court where the state of Colorado is being accused of violating the First Amendment rights of Lorie Smith and her 303 Creative company, according to WND. Her lawyers allege that the state is trying to force her to use her company to convey government-approved messages.
Smith runs a “graphic and website design operation and works to support children with disabilities, the beauty of marriage, overseas missions, animal shelters, and veterans,” according to the outlet, but the state has ordered her to promote same-sex weddings.
“Free speech is for everyone. The government can’t force anyone to say something they don’t believe. Lorie’s decision to design a project always turns on what the message is, not who requests it,” General Counsel Kristen Waggoner for Alliance Defending Freedom said. “When she creates a graphic design or website, she communicates a message consistent with her beliefs. And the First Amendment protects every American’s right to express ideas without fear of government punishment.”
In a shocking decision, the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that 2-1 in favor of the state, that they are allowed to order Smith what to promote, but the dissent in that ruling read that the Constitution protects Smith from the governments trying to tell her what to say.
“Colorado asks this Court to do something it has never done—authorize the government to compel speakers to speak certain messages while silencing others,” the Alliance Defending Freedom wrote on behalf of Smith.
Colorado is now the target of groups and organizations that are standing with Smith who allege that the state unconstitutionally infringes on the rights of its citizens. The Association of Certified Biblical Counselors Inc. accused the state of “involuntary servitude,” writing that Colorado “requires citizens of Colorado to enter into contracts against their will, and to produce goods or services under penalty of prosecution.”
Congress also got involved, writing a statement saying that Smith may hold any views she wants to about same-sex marriage, but “the government has no authority to compel individuals to express opinions that violate their firmly held religious beliefs.”
