NY congressman: Supreme Court ruling enables discrimination in the name of religious freedom.
Supreme Court Upholds Web Designer’s Right to Refuse Customers Based on Religious Beliefs
Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY) strongly criticized the recent decision by the Supreme Court, which ruled in favor of a web designer’s right to decline customers if their requests go against her deeply held religious beliefs. The case involved Colorado-based website 303 Creative, which refused to create wedding announcement websites for same-sex couples. The Court determined that the state’s anti-discrimination law would infringe upon the designer’s business and violate her First Amendment rights. Justice Neil Gorsuch, who authored the majority opinion, faced opposition from Torres during a television interview on CNN’s Inside Politics.
Concerns Over LGBTQ Equality
Torres expressed his disagreement with Gorsuch’s opinion, stating, “He’s wrong, and he’s sending a message that you are free to discriminate as long as you do so under the guise of religious liberty.” He further criticized the Supreme Court, describing it as the “most radical politicized Supreme Court” in recent history. Torres highlighted the need for Congress to intervene and protect LGBTQ rights, citing Justice Thomas’ call to overturn Obergefell v. Hodges, the landmark case that established marriage equality. He expressed concern about the ongoing threat to LGBTQ equality from the Supreme Court.
Sarah Kate Ellis, CEO of the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, echoed Torres’ sentiments, labeling the ruling as a “victory for extremists in America” and those who wish to discriminate against LGBTQ individuals. During a television interview on MSNBC, Ellis warned that the decision could set a dangerous precedent.
Web Designer Celebrates the Ruling
On the other hand, Lorie Smith, the owner of 303 Creative, celebrated the Supreme Court’s decision, describing it as “a victory for each and every one of us.” Smith expressed gratitude to the Court for affirming that the government cannot compel individuals to express beliefs they do not hold.
The Supreme Court’s ruling in favor of Smith was passed with a 6-3 vote. Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, and Ketanji Brown Jackson dissented from the majority opinion.
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