Colorado Settles Case with Designer Lorie Smith

Colorado officials have agreed to pay over $1.5 million in attorney fees to graphic designer Lorie Smith, following her successful challenge against the state's anti-discrimination law that compelled her to create wedding websites for same-sex couples, violating her religious beliefs. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in June 2023 that Smith's First Amendment rights were violated, allowing her to refuse service based on her religious convictions. Smith, represented by the Alliance Defending Freedom, asserted that the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act was unconstitutional in her case, 303 Creative v. Elenis. This settlement marks a significant legal victory for religious liberty advocates, with Smith expressing gratitude for the outcome after seven years of legal battles. ADF President Kristen Waggoner emphasized that the government cannot force individuals to express beliefs contrary to their own, framing the case within a broader context of protecting First Amendment rights. This situation follows a similar case involving Jack Phillips, a baker, highlighting ongoing tensions between religious beliefs and anti-discrimination laws in Colorado.