Colorado Settles for $1.5 Million in Landmark Free Speech Case

The state agrees to cover attorney fees after the Supreme Court ruled in favor of a web designer's First Amendment rights.

Lorie Smith, a Christian graphic designer, challenged Colorado's anti-discrimination law at the Supreme Court, arguing it violated her free speech rights.
The Supreme Court ruled that Colorado could not compel Smith to create wedding websites for same-sex couples, affirming her First Amendment rights.
The $1.5 million settlement covers attorney fees for Smith's legal team from the Alliance Defending Freedom, a group focusing on religious liberty cases.
This case is compared to the earlier Masterpiece Cakeshop case, highlighting ongoing tensions between religious freedom and anti-discrimination laws.
Critics accuse Colorado of targeting religious individuals, raising concerns about government overreach and the need for stronger free speech protections.