Landmark Settlement on Religious Freedom and Same-Sex Wedding Services in New York
In a significant legal development, a lengthy four-year legal dispute in New York has reached a resolution concerning religious freedom and the provision of services for same-sex weddings. The case centers around Emilee Carpenter, a Christian photographer, who challenged the state’s antidiscrimination laws.
A settlement was reached in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York, concluding the case initiated by Carpenter back in 2021. This resolution sees the state amending its stance on certain antidiscrimination statutes, allowing Carpenter to abide by her religious beliefs without facing legal repercussions.
The settlement obliges New York’s Attorney General Letitia James and New York State Division of Human Rights Commissioner Denise Miranda to refrain from enforcing certain provisions against Carpenter’s business, Emilee Carpenter Photography. Additionally, the state will cover Carpenter’s $225,000 in attorney’s fees resulting from this legal battle.
Concerns regarding state-mandated services for same-sex weddings, despite religious objections, led to the initial litigation. The resolution follows an earlier decision by U.S. District Judge Frank Geraci, who ruled in favor of Carpenter, stating the law cannot compel her to offer wedding photography services for same-sex couples.
Judge Geraci prohibited the enforcement of laws requiring services for same-sex weddings and allowed Carpenter to express her beliefs freely, including on her website and through other client interactions.
The legal team for Carpenter, including attorneys from the Alliance Defending Freedom and Dague & Martin, finalized the settlement in early July, with official court approval secured soon after.
Alliance Defending Freedom Senior Counsel Bryan Neihart hailed the outcome, emphasizing, “Free speech is for everyone, and we’re pleased to settle this case so that Emilee can speak her views on marriage without being punished by New York.” He added that the U.S. Constitution supports Carpenter’s right to express her beliefs.
This case echoes the principles outlined in the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2023 decision in 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis, which reinforced that states cannot force individuals to engage in speech against their beliefs. The prior ruling had led the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to revisit Carpenter’s lawsuit.
While Carpenter’s situation marks a notable case, other business owners across the nation have encountered similar legal challenges. This includes Aaron and Melissa Klein in Oregon, who faced financial penalties for refusing to bake a same-sex wedding cake, and Barronelle Stutzman, a Washington florist who settled a lawsuit over a similar dispute.
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
