Colorado to pay $1.5M in legal fees to designer in Supreme Court free speech case

Colorado will pay over $1.5 million in attorneys’ fees after losing a Supreme Court case involving a graphic designer’s refusal to create wedding websites for same-sex couples. The Supreme Court ruled that Colorado could not force Lorie Smith and her design studio to create art that goes against her religious beliefs. “As the Supreme Court said, I’m free to create art consistent with my beliefs without fear of Colorado punishing me anymore,” Smith said in a statement. “This is a win not just for me but for all Americans — for those who share my beliefs and for those who hold different views.”

Attorney General Phil Weiser’s office confirmed the settlement but did not provide further comments after the Supreme Court’s decision in Smith’s favor.