SCOTUS Rules in Favor of Free Speech, Florida Legislators React

In another decision handed down by the Supreme Court, the conservative-leaning court voted along ideological lines in the 303 Creative v. Elenis case. Florida legislators responded to the decision with varying reactions across the state.

The case surrounded a situation in which a graphic designer from Colorado refused to make a wedding website for same-sex marriage.

In a 6-3 conclusion, the High Court ruled that individuals and businesses could refuse to provide service in instances such as these, despite Colorado’s anti-discrimination law that prohibited the denial of sales based on sexual orientation.

The author of the majority opinion Justice Neil Gorsuch stated, “In this case, Colorado seeks to force an individual to speak in ways that align with its views but defy her conscience about a matter of major significance,” stated Justice Gorsuch.

He would go on the mention that freedom of expression is part of what “keeps our Republic strong.”

"But, as this Court has long held, the opportunity to think for ourselves and to express those thoughts freely is among our most cherished liberties and part of what keeps our Republic strong," said Gorsuch.

Representative Lois Frankel (D-FL) called it “another sad day in America.”

“Another sad day in America as the extreme, right-wing Supreme Court promotes hatred and bigotry, ruling against equality for all,” said Rep. Frankel. “No person or business should be given a license to unjustly discriminate. Every individual, no matter who they are or who they love, deserves the freedom to go about their daily lives and access the goods and services they need.”

Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), however, said the SCOTUS decision was “common sense returning to public life.”

Finally, common sense is returning to public life. ‘The First Amendment envisions the United States as a rich and complex place where all persons are free to think and speak as they wish, not as the government demands.’ The Supreme Court got it right in 303 Creative v. Elenis,” said Sen. Rubio.

Representative Darren Soto (D-FL) called it the legalization of “LGBTQ discrimination in commerce.”

“Today, the Supreme Court legalized LGBTQ discrimination in commerce. Deeply held religious beliefs are protected for personal decisions under the First Amendment. However, when you open a business and participate in interstate commerce, federal civil rights laws should apply,” Soto stated.

Following the Supreme Court decision, SCOTUS voted to strike down the Biden administration’s plan to cancel billions of dollars of student loan debt.