Colorado to Pay $1.5 Million in Legal Fees After Supreme Court Case on Same-Sex Wedding Services
Background of the Case
Lorie Smith, represented by the conservative law firm Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), challenged a Colorado anti-discrimination law. She argued that as a Christian business owner, she should not be compelled to create websites for same-sex weddings. In June 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6-3 in her favor, stating that the law violated her free speech rights.
Settlement Details
Last week, lawyers for both the state of Colorado and Smith disclosed in a court filing that they had reached an agreement on legal fees. Although Smith originally sought nearly $2 million, the state ultimately approved a settlement of $1.5 million. Colorado’s attorney general's office declined to comment on the settlement.
Alliance Defending Freedom's Reaction
Bryan Neihart, senior counsel for ADF, highlighted that it is common for the winning party in civil rights cases to seek and receive reimbursement for legal fees. Neihart emphasized that Smith's Supreme Court victory was a critical win for free speech, not only for her but for all Americans.
“Our clients, Lorie Smith and her design studio, 303 Creative, achieved a landmark victory that protects all Americans' freedom of speech from government censorship and coercion,” said Neihart in a statement.
The Alliance Defending Freedom and Their Role
ADF, a faith-based legal advocacy group, has been involved in several high-profile cases related to religious liberty. The organization also played a role in challenging access to the abortion pill mifepristone, though that case did not succeed.
In Smith’s fee request, ADF noted that the $2 million figure was already a reduction from the actual 3,374.9 hours billed, showing that they had cut their demand by 36% to account for 2,174.4 hours of work.
Next Steps
Smith and Colorado state officials are expected to finalize and file the settlement notice by October 16, 2024. This development marks the latest chapter in the legal battle that has attracted significant national attention for its implications on free speech and anti-discrimination laws.
