303 Creative LLC v. Elenis: U.S. Supreme Court Ruling Affecting LGBTQIA+ Rights

The U.S. Supreme court voted 6-3 on June 30, 2023 on a decision affecting LGBTQIA+ rights by siding with Lorie Smith, a Colorado web designer who opposes same sex marriage. This decision carves out a significant exception to public accommodations laws - laws that in most states bar discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Lorie challenged the state's public accommodations law, claiming that by requiring her to serve everyone equally, the state was unconstitutionally enlisting her in creating a message she opposes.

There is concern that the U.S. Supreme Court decision will have a far-reaching impact on other minority groups and could open the door to a slew of cases seeking to further chip away at civil rights protections in the US.

LGBTQIA+ Resources That We Recommend

We compiled these LGBTQIA+ Resources on the last day of Pride Month 2023 to celebrate and highlight these amazing non-profit organizations fighting for equality and inclusivity every day.

GLAAD - https://glaad.org

Founded in 1985, GLAAD is a non-profit organization focused on LGBTQ advocacy and cultural change. GLAAD works to ensure fair, accurate, and inclusive representation and creates national and local programs that advance LGBTQ acceptance. Serving as a storyteller, media force, resource, and advocate, GLAAD tackles tough issues and provokes dialogue so that authentic LGBTQ stories are seen, heard, and actualized. GLAAD strives to protect all that has been accomplished and helps create a world where everyone can live the life they love.

Human Rights Campaign - https://hrc.org

Human Rights Campaign (HRC) has spent the last 40 years creating the most powerful movement for equality our country has ever seen. But despite this progress, our most marginalized are still suffering from violence, discrimination and fear. Their goal is to ensure that all LGBTQ+ people, and particularly those of us who are trans, people of color and HIV+, are treated as full and equal citizens within our movement, across our country and around the world.

The Trevor Project - https://thetrevorproject.org

The Trevor Project’s mission is to end suicide among LGBTQ young people. They do this by providing crisis services 24/7, 365 days a year, partnering with suicidologists to do research, offering public education to help allies and educators understand the needs of LGBTQ young people, advocating for a kinder world, and creating a safe international community on TrevorSpace.

The entire team at Candelaria PC stands in solidarity with and celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community. We hope that by highlighting a few of the amazing non-profit organizations advocating for equality and inclusivity, more people will be aware of the excellent work that they do.