Phoenix wedding invitation business loses lawsuit over anti-discrimination law
PHOENIX (KSAZ) - The mayor of Phoenix is applauding a ruling by an Arizona court that upheld the city's anti-discrimination ordinance that includes the treatment of same-sex couples.
The owners of Brush & Nib Studio claimed in a 2016 lawsuit that the city law violates their freedom of speech and religion. The owners are Christians.
Mayor Thelda Williams commented on the decision Thursday that compels a company that makes wedding invitations to provide service to same-sex couples.
Williams called the ruling an important victory and a reminder that Phoenix believes in equality.
Meanwhile, Phoenix City Councilmember Daniel Valenzuela also issued a statement on the ruling.
"This is a victory for our city, equality and everyone who believes that inclusion matters," read a portion of the statement.
The Arizona Court of Appeals sided with the city in a lawsuit brought by the owners of the invitation business.
Lawyer Jonathan Scruggs of the group Alliance Defending Freedom said the Arizona Court of Appeals' decision on Thursday forces artists to do work contrary to their core beliefs, and plans to appeal the ruling.The ruling can be appealed to the state Supreme Court.
The ruling Thursday came after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Monday for a Colorado baker who wouldn't make a wedding cake for a same-sex couple.
The decision, however, didn't address the larger issue of whether a business can invoke religious objections to refuse service to gay and lesbian people.