303 Creative v. Elenis

303 Creative LLC v. Elenis (2023) is a U.S. Supreme Court decision on the clash between free speech and anti-discrimination law. Lorie Smith, a Colorado web designer, wanted to make wedding websites but refused to create them for same-sex couples, citing religious objections to same-sex marriage. Colorado's public accommodations law barred businesses from denying service based on sexual orientation. In a 6 to 3 ruling, the Court held that because Smith's custom websites were expressive speech, forcing her to create messages she disagreed with violated the First Amendment. Justice Sonia Sotomayor dissented sharply, warning the decision grants some businesses a license to turn away LGBTQ+ customers. Supporters and critics still debate how far the ruling reaches beyond custom expressive work.