CCCU Statement on 303 Creative Case

The Council for Christian Colleges & Universities celebrates the Supreme Court majority opinion in 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis that protected the freedom of choice and expression. In a pluralistic American society, this right is a core value enjoyed by all Americans, protected by the First Amendment. The CCCU agrees with the Supreme Court’s decision that recognizes speech, popular or unpopular, as a contribution to the uniqueness of society and “marketplace of ideas.”

This case, like many others in which speech was compelled, represents the complexity of the First Amendment. Forcing someone into speech, silence or acceptance that compromises his or her own religious belief counters the intention(s) of the framers of the Constitution. The Supreme Court recognized this and confirmed the dangers of speaking or disagreeing “on pain of penalty.” The Supreme Court stated that, without fear, “The First Amendment envisions the United States as a rich and complex place where all persons are free to think and speak as they wish, not as the government demands.”

303 CREATIVE LLC et al. v. ELENIS et al. (2023)

FULTON et al. v. CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, et al. (2021)

MASTERPIECE CAKESHOP, LTD., et al. v. COLORADO CIVIL RIGHTS COMMISSION et al. (2018)

HURLEY et al. v. IRISH-AMERICAN GAY, LESBIAN and BISEXUAL GROUP OF BOSTON, INC. et al. (1995)

Please direct all media requests to Dr. Amanda Staggenborg, Chief Communications Officer, at astaggenborg@cccu.org