Colorado wants to rule others.Laurie Smith wants to be left alone

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In modern American politics, there are two types of people: those who want to dominate others, and those who want to be left alone.

The second group used to be more famous. Think of the immigrant who is fed up with following dictates from a “better society” and instead decides to build a new life and identity in the New World.

When the cramped living conditions and factory managers became unbearable, these families moved further west. There is also

It took years, but the nosy caught up with those independent types.

Lori Smith doesn’t support same-sex marriage

Ten years ago, Laurie Smith founded a design studio specializing in graphic and website design. Naturally, she uses her talents to create artwork and messages that support her. With her Colorado company, 303 Creative, she has helped children with disabilities, overseas missions, animal shelters, and veterans.

She has also created a website dedicated to marriage. And this doesn’t work.

Another way of looking at it:Can the government force us to say what we don’t believe?

Instead of simply leaving Smith alone, the state tried to force her to create artwork and messages she disagreed with.

Colorado’s anti-discrimination law prohibits “any establishment engaged in sale to the public and any place offering services, facilities, privileges, benefits or facilities to the public” to offer services based on sexual orientation. Forbidden to refuse.

Smith has an LGBTQ clientele, but does not want to promote same-sex marriage because it goes against her beliefs. And there are countless businesses that create websites, so simply choosing a different vendor won’t hurt a loving couple. It can make you happier.

Why couldn’t Colorado leave her alone?

Colorado has used overly broad language in state law to direct atheists to church websites, kosher delis to cater to Christian nationalist gatherings, and Muslims to advertise pulled pork barbecue restaurants. Advertisers can be forced.

Alternatively, states can leave their residents alone. But if you want to control other people’s actions, thoughts, and beliefs, leaving people alone is not an option.

2019:The impact of the similar Phoenix Wedding Invitation Incident

Colorado is nothing new to this kind of activity. In 2019, they lost a Supreme Court case against cake maker Jack Phillips, who held similar views on same-sex marriage. You couldn’t force Phillips to support a gay wedding, just like you do.

Again, there are countless cake shops eager to do business with people celebrating all kinds of weddings. The “harm” of was Phillips losing a client.

Supreme Court precedents have a simple premise

Colorado returned to the Supreme Court last week to defend its selective persecution of designer Lori Smith.

“Freedom of speech belongs to everyone. The government cannot force anyone to say what they do not believe,” said Kristen Wagoner, an attorney at 303 Creative. “Lorie’s decision to design a project is always focused on what the message is, not who asked for it. It delivers a message, and the First Amendment protects the right of all Americans to express their views without fear of government punishment.”

The premise of this case is simple. The government should not be able to force you to say what you do not believe. Americans should be free to speak their minds, even if the government disagrees.

This also breaks in other ways. Those who disagree with Smith or Phillips are free to avoid their own business and suggest the same to others.

A final note to politicians: In our diverse and pluralistic society, the smartest move is usually to leave people alone.

Mesa resident Jon Gabriel is editor-in-chief of Ricochet.com and a contributor to The Republic and azcentral.com. On Twitter: @exjon.

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