Major Legal Victory for Christian Wedding Photographer Who Refused to Participate in Same-Sex Marriage Celebration
(Worthy News) – Virginia state officials have settled a lawsuit with a Christian wedding photographer who declined to use his business for same-sex marriage celebrations, as stated in a press release by Alliance Defending Freedom.
In September 2020, Bob Updegrove filed a lawsuit against Virginian Attorney General Jason Miyares and Christine Lambrou Johnson, the director of the state’s Office of Civil Rights, following a state law that mandated him to endorse same-sex marriage within his photography business, as detailed in court documents.
The law firm Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), representing Updegrove, revealed on Monday that the state had consented to a settlement in light of the recent Supreme Court ruling in 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis. This decision determined that the government could not limit a business owner’s free speech, as mentioned in a press release.
“Free speech is for everyone. As the Supreme Court recently affirmed in 303 Creative, the government can’t force Americans to say things they don’t believe,” stated ADF Legal Counsel Johannes Widmalm-Delphonse.
“This victory for Bob underscores how the 303 Creative decision will protect countless Americans from government censorship and coercion. The U.S. Constitution protects his freedom to express his views as he continues to serve clients of all backgrounds and beliefs,” he concluded.
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