The Supreme Court is expected to rule on whether a website designer can legally refuse services for same-sex weddings. If the Court rules in the website designer’s favor, it could affect employment laws across the nation, allowing employers to discriminate in accordance with their religious beliefs.
Case background and legal implications
Lorie Smith, who owns 303 Creative LLC, is asking the Supreme Court to block the Colorado Civil Rights Commission from enforcing anti-discrimination laws. Smith has a policy that she will not provide services for same-sex weddings.
While the case is not an employment case, it could have significant implications in the employment arena. Clashes between religion and LGBTQ workplace rights have become increasingly common in recent years. Legal scholars suggest that this case will particularly affect issues in the workplace, such as whether transgender workers can use bathrooms or wearing clothing in keeping with their gender identity, or what happens when employers refuse to offer services to LGBTQ customers based on religious grounds.
The primary question is whether allowing employers to discriminate based on religion will disenfranchise employees, and whether it will cause employees to feel harassed if they’re working for an employer whose views do not align with their own. As a result, it may be even more difficult for employers to find workers. Whether the Court finds that a compelling reason to support religious beliefs over LGBTQ rights remains to be seen.
If you have a discrimination claim, a seasoned whistleblower attorney at Kardell Law Group can evaluate your case and explain your legal options. Call today to learn more.
