Artist Banned from Publicly Disagreeing with Gay Marriage

The government in Colorado is forbidding a Colorado artist to dissent from the government's definition of marriage.

A state law is forcing Lorie Smith to use her graphics arts studio, called 303 Creative, to promote same-sex weddings. The law prohibits Smith from publicly citing her faith as a reason to decline her web-design services to same-sex weddings.

"My primary objective is to design and create expressive content," her website reads. "Because of my faith, however, I am selective about the messages that I create or promote – while I will serve anyone I am always careful to avoid communicating ideas or messages, or promoting events, products, services, or organizations, that are inconsistent with my religious beliefs."

Smith filed a federal lawsuit Tuesday with the help of the Alliance Defending Freedom, in hopes that she will be able to live out her faith freely.

Smith said in the suit that she wants her art "to celebrate and promote God's design for marriage as an institution between one man and one woman."

However, she claims the law prevents her from doing so.

"If Lorie and 303 Creative were to convey their desired messages and decline to convey objectionable messages, they would face costly and onerous investigations, fines of up to $500 for each violation, and oppressive mandates—such as staff re-education training—that can themselves compel objectionable speech," the ADF complaint says.

"Artists shouldn't be threatened with punishment for disagreeing with the government's preferred views," ADF Senior Counsel Jeremy Tedesco said.