The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals recently ruled against artistic freedom in a case involving web site developer 303 Creative. If its ruling stands, artists would be compelled to create works that violate their convictions, religious or otherwise. A Muslim painter could be compelled to create art that is disrespectful to Muhammad. A gay composer could be compelled to write music that promotes an anti-LGBTQ message. This is no longer about Christian values only — it is about the integrity of artistic freedom.
An artist who offers their work in a retail setting must sell that work to anyone who walks in the door. But an artist must be free to decline any commissioned work for any reason, or we will end up with the nightmare of compelled speech — anathema to the foundations of American freedom.
