CV NEWS FEED // Father James Martin, SJ, editor of America Magazine and celebrated creator, tweeted a lengthy commentary on the upcoming Supreme Court case 303 Creative vs. Ellis.
The case, set for oral arguments within the 2022-2023 term, centers on Lorie Smith, owner of 303 Creative, LLC. Smith, who designs wedding web sites, challenged a Colorado law that might forbid her from posting a message on her website “explaining her religious objections to same-sex weddings.”
In accordance with a temporary filed by the Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF),
Colorado asks this Court to do something it has never done—authorize the federal government to compel speakers to talk certain messages while silencing others. The Court should decline that invitation, as it could be a step back for the First Amendment and our nation.
“Once more the Supreme Court will take up the query of whether someone can refuse to do business with a same-sex couple since it offends their Christian beliefs,” Fr. Martin wrote in response to the news. “But notice that these business owners don’t have an issue with (nor should they) serving non-Christians.”
Martin went on to argue squarely against the religious freedom of “Catholic business owners,” employing scare quotes across the term “religious liberty.”
“Within the guise of ‘religious liberty,’ Catholic business owners could deny services to Protestants and, more broadly, Christians could deny services to Jews” and other non-believers, Martin wrote.
“The one matter that seems to offend the consciences of those few Catholic and Christian business leaders is same-sex marriage,” he concluded. “So let’s not call this a case of ‘religious liberty.’ Let’s call it what it’s: homophobia.”
CatholicVote responded:
ADF General Counsel Kristen Waggoner spoke to the case, saying, “Free speech is for everybody. The federal government can’t force anyone to say something they don’t imagine.”
Lorie’s decision to design a project at all times activates what the message is, not who requests it. When she creates a graphic design or website, she communicates a message consistent together with her beliefs. And the First Amendment protects every American’s right to precise ideas without fear of presidency punishment.
While the date for the case’s oral arguments has not been set as of this writing, the Supreme Court has agreed to listen to the case this term. A ruling is predicted in June 2023.
