Leaders of Washington's LGBTQ+ community say they will work to ensure the state’s laws continue to protect their rights after the ruling. The Washington State Legislature's LGBTQ+ Caucus released a statement condemning the court’s decision.
In a defeat for gay rights, the Supreme Court’s conservative majority ruled Friday a Christian graphic artist who wants to design wedding websites can refuse to work with same-sex couples, if they ask.for designer Lorie Smith, saying she can refuse to design websites for same-sex weddings despite a Colorado law that bars discrimination based on sexual orientation, race, gender and other characteristics.
In the dissent, Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote: “Today, the Court, for the first time in its history, grants a business open to the public a constitutional right to refuse to serve members of a protected class.” She was joined by the court’s two other liberals, Justice Elena Kagan and Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson.
“At a time of increased nationwide violence and hatred directed towards the LGBTQ+ community, the United States Supreme Court has sided today with forces of division and taken a step back in the march toward a more perfect union,” the caucus’ statement said. “This decision marks the first time in our nation’s history that the Court has allowed businesses open to the public to discriminate against a protected class effectively.
“ just sends the wrong message in this moment, Liias said. “We should be lifting up our trans-youth and ensuring that LGBTQ people have more access to housing and healthcare and opportunity not chipping away at the progress that we’ve already achieved.” Mayfield, who is gay and has two kids with his husband, acknowledged Smith has a right to her views and opinions in this country, but he also believes she should serve everyone with her business.
Former Washington Attorney General Rob McKenna discussed the legal grounds for the court’s decision with “Seattle’s Morning News” Friday.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Indiana leaders, organizations react to Supreme Court ruling on state's near-total abortion banReaction from local leaders and organizations are flooding in after the Indiana Supreme Court ruled the near-total abortion ban in Indiana is constitutional. It remains unclear when it will go into effect.
Read more »
Fashion School Leaders Express Concern Over Supreme Court Affirmative Action DecisionThe U.S. Supreme Court decision Thursday to establish new limits on affirmative action programs, essentially ending the consideration of race in college admissions, caused concern among fashion design school leaders.
Read more »
Biden knocked for declaring Supreme Court is 'not a normal court:' 'Not a normal presidency'President Biden was blasted on Thursday for proclaiming that the U.S. Supreme Court is “not a normal court' following its ruling on affirmative action.
Read more »
Supreme Court rulings likely to intensify calls from the left to 'pack' the CourtRecent Supreme Court rulings have resulted in a leftist push for fundamental changes, aggravating a debate stemming from Supreme Court confirmations during Donald Trump's presidency.
Read more »
Supreme Court directs Ohio's top court to take another look at redistricting lawsuitThe Ohio Supreme Court will take yet another look at the legality of the state's congressional districts after the U.S. Supreme Court on Friday set aside a ruling striking down the districts.
Read more »
California leaders, students react to SCOTUS ruling on student loansReaction to the Supreme Court’s decision was swift in California, especially amongst Democratic leaders.
Read more »