Summary
A Phoenix art studio that specializes in hand-painting, hand-lettering, and calligraphy for weddings and other events is challenging a city ordinance that forces the studio’s two owners to use their artistic talents to promote same-sex ceremonies. The ordinance also forbids them from publicly expressing the Christian beliefs that prevent them from doing so and that require them to create art celebrating only marriages between one man and one woman.
Case timeline
- May 2016: ADF filed a lawsuit against the City of Phoenix.
- June 2018: The Arizona Court of Appeals issued a decision allowing the enforcement of the Phoenix law, which violated Joanna and Breanna’s constitutional rights, to stand.
- July 2019: Joanna and Breanna asked the Arizona Supreme Court to uphold their rights to free speech.
- September 2019: The Arizona Supreme Court ruled in favor of Joanna and Breanna, recognizing that Phoenix cannot force artists to express messages that violate their religious beliefs.
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Commentary
State court docket watch: Brush & Nib Studio v. City of Phoenix
Jonathan Scruggs
April 03, 2020
Ruling for art studio is win for diverse Arizona
Jonathan Scruggs
October 04, 2019
A huge win for artists’ conscience
Kristen Waggoner
October 04, 2019
A ruling for discrimination? No, Brush & Nib is good news for everyone
Jonathan Scruggs
September 24, 2019
Why the Arizona Supreme Court ruling in favor of our art studio is a win for everyone
Joanna Duka
September 19, 2019
Phoenix artists shouldn’t be punished for their beliefs
Jonathan Scruggs
January 18, 2019
Artistic freedom for all is a right that needs protection
Kate Anderson
January 10, 2019
What we create is an extension of who we are
Joanna Duka & Breanna Koski
July 20, 2018
Freedom of speech is on a roll, but not in Arizona
Jonathan Scruggs
July 12, 2018
The War On Wedding Vendors Is Ultimately A War On Free Thought
James Gottry
November 03, 2016
How The Government Should Punish Colin Kaepernick
James Gottry
October 12, 2016
Forced speech is un-American
Jonathan Scruggs
October 10, 2016
Brush & Nib suit about artistic freedom
Jonathan Scruggs
June 03, 2016
Phoenix artists sue rather than create art for same sex weddings
Jeremy Tedesco
June 03, 2016