US Supreme Court Rules Service Refusal to Same-Sex Couples Possible for Religious Reasons

"Freedom of Personal Belief Takes Priority Over Anti-Discrimination Law"
Biden: "Disappointing Ruling... Concerns Over Increased Discrimination"

The U.S. Supreme Court, where conservative-leaning justices hold the majority, ruled on the 30th of last month (local time) that businesses may refuse service to same-sex couples based on religious beliefs. This decision came just one day after the court declared affirmative action policies favoring minority races in college admissions unconstitutional.

According to local media such as CNN and The Wall Street Journal, Lori Smith, a web designer from Colorado, filed a constitutional complaint arguing that state laws prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation or race in businesses open to the general public violate the First Amendment's freedom of speech.

Smith, a Christian, stated that she does not want to accept work requests from same-sex couples for religious reasons, but refusing such requests could result in fines under state law, making it difficult to continue her business. Her lawsuit, which began in 2016, sparked intense social debate.

Nine Justices of the United States Supreme Court.
[Photo by AP Yonhap News]

Smith's attorney, Christine Wagner, emphasized, "Disagreement is not discrimination, and the government should not mistake speech for discrimination in order to censor it." She argued that the state should not censor Smith, who spoke based on her belief in the institution of marriage, on behalf of LGBTQ individuals.

The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 in favor of Smith, stating that "the rights granted by the First Amendment, which allow freedom of religion and belief, take precedence over state anti-discrimination laws." Justice Neil Gorsuch said, "The First Amendment envisions a flourishing America where everyone thinks and speaks as they wish, not as the government demands."

However, the three dissenting justices described the decision as "a rollback of civil rights that relegates LGBTQ Americans to second-class citizens." Justice Sonia Sotomayor criticized in her dissent, "Today, for the first time in history, the Supreme Court has granted businesses open to the public a constitutional right to refuse service to protected classes."

Phil Weiser, the Democratic Attorney General of Colorado, also criticized the Supreme Court's conservative ruling. He said, "This decision destabilizes the public marketplace and sets a precedent where businesses of all kinds, from small wedding planners to large corporations, can refuse service to certain customers based on their actions or identities." Weiser cited interracial couples, women-owned businesses, and members of religious organizations as examples of groups that could face discrimination in the future.

The nine-member U.S. Supreme Court was reshaped during the Trump administration with six conservatives and three liberals. They overturned a federal ruling recognizing abortion rights last year and, the day before, ruled affirmative action policies favoring minority races in college admissions unconstitutional, demonstrating a focus on conservative values.

Meanwhile, President Joe Biden issued a statement on the same day, expressing "disappointment" with the Supreme Court's decision and concern that it could lead to "more discrimination against LGBTQ Americans," an unusually strong criticism.

President Biden said, "Today's decision weakens long-standing laws that protect all Americans?including people of color, people with disabilities, faith communities, and women?from discrimination in public accommodations," adding, "No one in America should face discrimination because of who they are or whom they love." He further stated, "The government will work with relevant agencies to rigorously enforce federal laws protecting Americans from discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation," and called on Congress to pass federal Equality Act legislation to protect the civil rights of LGBTQ Americans.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.