The ordinance forces the studio's two female owners to use their artistic talents
to promote same-sex ceremonies and also forbids the studio, Brush & Nib, and
its proprietors from publicly expressing the Christian beliefs that prevent them
from doing so and that require them to create art celebrating only marriages
between one man and one woman. (Courtesy/ADF)
Alliance Defending Freedom
Charisma News
Alliance Defending Freedom attorneys filed an appeal Tuesday that asks an Arizona appeals court to temporarily stop Phoenix from applying an ordinance to an art studio specializing in hand-painting, hand-lettering and calligraphy for weddings and other events because the ordinance conflicts with free speech.
The ordinance forces the studio's two female owners to use their artistic talents to promote same-sex ceremonies and also forbids the studio, Brush & Nib, and its proprietors from publicly expressing the Christian beliefs that prevent them from doing so and that require them to create art celebrating only marriages between one man and one woman.
The appeal comes after a trial court judge declined to issue an order that would prevent the city from enforcing the ordinance against the studio or its owners while their lawsuit moves forward in court.
At the trial court, ADF attorneys argued that the ordinance runs afoul of Arizona's Free Speech Clause and Free Exercise of Religion Act. Specifically, the suit, Brush & Nib Studio v. City of Phoenix, challenges Phoenix City Code Section 18.4(B), a non-discrimination ordinance which the city has construed to force artists like the owners of Brush & Nib to create objectionable art, even though they decide what art to create based on the art's message, not the requester's personal characteristics.
Read more about ADF's court battle for free speech and religious freedom
The appeal comes after a trial court judge declined to issue an order that would prevent the city from enforcing the ordinance against the studio or its owners while their lawsuit moves forward in court.
"Artists shouldn't be threatened with jail time just because they don't hold the same views the government does," said ADF Legal Counsel Jonathan Scruggs.
"We are asking the appeals court to reverse the trial court and suspend this ordinance while our case goes forward because the city must allow artists the freedom to make personal decisions about what art they will and will not create. In addition, the ordinance's further requirement that artists stay quiet about their views is clearly unjust and unlawful."
At the trial court, ADF attorneys argued that the ordinance runs afoul of Arizona's Free Speech Clause and Free Exercise of Religion Act. Specifically, the suit, Brush & Nib Studio v. City of Phoenix, challenges Phoenix City Code Section 18.4(B), a non-discrimination ordinance which the city has construed to force artists like the owners of Brush & Nib to create objectionable art, even though they decide what art to create based on the art's message, not the requester's personal characteristics.
Read more about ADF's court battle for free speech and religious freedom
Persecution Unveiled has been called by God to prick the consciences of this nation and all free people to speak up and act on behalf of those who have no voice. Follow us on Pinterest, like us on Facebook, and visit our website using this link.
No comments:
Post a Comment