Anti-Discrimination Laws Are Called Into Question by SCOTUS

The Supreme Court is expected to rule in favor of a Colorado web designer who refused to work for a same-sex couple The owner of a web design company says she should not have to provide wedding website designs for gay and lesbian couples.

Smith said that her free speech would be violated if she were required to create wedding websites for gay people.

The Supreme Court currently consists of a conservative majority and based on questions heard today during arguments, seems likely to lean in Smith's favor, but several justices are first considering any implications this will have on existing anti- discrimination laws

The case raises questions about the differences between businesses that sell goods and those that give a specific service. NBC News reported that the Supreme Court discussed the case for two and a half hours on Monday.

Smith wants to be able to refuse service to same-sex couples based on her religious beliefs, even though her website doesn't currently offer wedding designs. The Supreme Court seems to be more interested in the First Amendment implications of Smith's case.

Civil Rights groups are concerned that if Smith is granted an exemption from the state law, other businesses will be able to discriminate against people.

If the justices rule in Smith's favor, they asked where the line is drawn. She asked about people who don't believe in interracial marriage and people who don't believe that disabled people shouldn't marry.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects employees and job applicants from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin. The Civil Rights Act was expanded to include members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer community.

The Supreme Court is expected to make a final decision before the summer season ends in June of next year, but they have not given an exact date.

Four years ago, a Colorado baker was sued by a gay couple for denying them a wedding cake. The court ruled in favor of the baker, but did not make a decision on whether the First Amendment protects businesses that violate anti-discrimination laws based on religious convictions.