This week, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in 303 Creative v. Elenis. Lorie Smith is a web designer who wants to run her Colorado web-design business according to her conscience. This means, among other things, that while she’s willing to serve LGBTQ customers, she doesn’t wish to custom design websites for same-sex weddings. 

Her case resembles that of Colorado-based cake artist Jack Phillips. Justice Neil Gorsuch even mentioned the Masterpiece case, specifically how the Colorado Civil Rights Commission attempted to subject Phillips to “reeducation.” In that case, the Court found that the Commission was hostile to Phillips’ faith, but failed to rule on the questions of conscience rights and free speech.  

In this case, it will be impossible for the Court to neglect the issue of free speech. The question is whether the state of Colorado (or any state) can compel speech in order to advance the state’s message. This case is critically important for conscience rights, especially free speech. Please pray.