Supreme Court's Ruling on Wedding Websites Sparks LGBTQ Protections Debate

The Supreme Court's conservative majority ruled in favor of a Christian graphic artist, Lorie Smith, stating that she can refuse to design wedding websites for same-sex couples, despite a Colorado law prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation. The court argued that forcing her to create the websites would violate her free speech rights under the First Amendment. The decision suggests that artists and other expressive service providers can refuse services that contradict their beliefs, but it does not extend to businesses not engaged in speech, such as restaurants and hotels. The dissenting liberal justices warned that the ruling opens the door to discrimination by allowing businesses to refuse service to protected classes. President Joe Biden expressed disappointment with the decision, stating that it weakens laws protecting against discrimination.