It’s another big win for the First Amendment—and a stinging defeat for Colorado’s overzealous bureaucracy.
The state has agreed to pay over $1.5 million after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of Lorie Smith, a graphic designer who simply wanted to run her business without being compelled to create art that violates her religious beliefs. This case, like the infamous saga of Jack Phillips, proves that Colorado just can’t seem to stop targeting Christians in the name of “tolerance.”
‼️ BREAKING ‼️ Colorado has agreed to pay more than $1.5 million in attorneys’ fees for violating the First Amendment rights of graphic artist Lorie Smith, following her landmark Supreme Court victory in 303 Creative v. Elenis.
CO officials threatened and censored Lorie’s speech… pic.twitter.com/IicctcVLDb
— Alliance Defending Freedom (@ADFLegal) November 19, 2024
Lorie Smith’s battle began when she announced her intention to design wedding websites that align with her Christian view of marriage as a union between one man and one woman. Colorado’s anti-discrimination laws, however, would have forced her to create websites for same-sex weddings, even though it went against her deeply held religious beliefs. Instead of bowing to the state’s demands, Smith took her case all the way to the Supreme Court—and won.
The Court’s decision in 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis reaffirmed a basic principle that Colorado seems to have forgotten: the government cannot force anyone to say, write, or create something that violates their conscience. This isn’t just about religion; it’s about ensuring that every American, no matter their beliefs, is free to express—or not express—their ideas without fear of punishment.
“After enduring Colorado’s censorship for nearly seven years, I’m incredibly grateful for the work of my attorneys at Alliance Defending Freedom to bring my case to victory,” Smith said in a statement. “As the Supreme Court said, I’m free to create art consistent with my beliefs without fear of Colorado punishing me anymore. This is a win not just for me but for all Americans—for those who share my beliefs and for those who hold different views.”
Kristen Waggoner of the Alliance Defending Freedom summed it up perfectly: “Political and cultural winds shift, but the freedom to speak without fear of censorship is a God-given constitutionally guaranteed right.” Colorado officials have now learned the hard way that trampling on these rights comes with a hefty price tag.
“No government has the right to silence individuals for expressing these ideas or to punish those who decline to express different views,” Waggoner stated. “Political and cultural winds shift, but the freedom to speak without fear of censorship is a God-given constitutionally guaranteed right, essential for a flourishing society and self-governing people.”
And let’s not forget Jack Phillips, the Colorado baker who has been harassed by the state and LGBTQ activists for over a decade. One serial complainant, Autumn Scardina, has repeatedly tried to trap Phillips by demanding cakes for absurd messages, like “Satan smoking marijuana” or celebrating gender transitions. This kind of malicious litigation isn’t about equality or fairness—it’s about punishing people for their beliefs.
VICTORY! 🇺🇸 For Lorie Smith, it’s been a long journey all the way to the Supreme Court. Today, it culminated in the free speech win of a generation—not just for Lorie, but for every American. pic.twitter.com/nvtVZqGxEj
— Alliance Defending Freedom (@ADFLegal) June 30, 2023
Colorado’s obsession with policing the speech and creativity of people of faith has cost taxpayers millions of dollars and wasted years of court battles. Maybe it’s time for the state to learn that “live and let live” applies to everyone, not just those who parrot the prevailing cultural ideology. The First Amendment exists for exactly this reason: to protect individuals from being coerced into silence or complicity. Here’s hoping Colorado finally gets the message.
