The Supreme Court sided with a Christian graphic designer Lorie Smith of 303 Creative last week, clarifying that a Colorado law cannot compel her to create websites for same-sex couples against her religious beliefs. The Court ruled that Ms. Smith has the right to not create content that contradicts her beliefs, and that she should not be forced to say things with which she disagrees.
This was the right call.
Freedom to speak one’s beliefs is a basic part of the US Constitution’s Bill of Rights. We have the right to speak about pretty much whatever we choose.
We also have the right to shut up. The right to speak implies the right to not speak.
No one has the right to force others to speak, and there’s especially no right to make others agree with or repeat things they don’t agree with. That’s what Ms. Smith’s case was about, the right not to repeat things they don’t agree with.
The courts have ruled repeatedly that people have the right to not say the pledge to the flag. We have the right to not participate in public prayer. We have the right to not stand for the National Anthem.
Again, I think the courts have it correctly.
Some would argue that the refusal by the designer, and the subsequent Supreme Court ruling, are violations of the rights of LGBTQ people. Let’s flip that question. Should any person, even a person who identifies as something other than traditional male or female be allowed to dictate the speech of any other person? Should any LGBT person be forced to design graphic and write copy supporting the view of homosexuality expressed in the Book of Leviticus? If I’m reading the Court’s decision correctly, the Supreme Court says no, I agree with that position.
Should a Jewish person be forced to design logos for a Nazi group? Should a black woman be required to decorate cakes for a Klan Rally? Should a Muslim printer be compelled to print posters with pictures of Muhammad?
Of course not.
No person should be forced to speak in contradiction to his beliefs. Ever.
