The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit has revitalized a free speech lawsuit brought by photographer Emilee Carpenter against a New York antidiscrimination law. The law requires Carpenter to provide her services for same-sex weddings, which she claims compels her to express messages contrary to her beliefs.
Judge Allison Nathan, writing for the panel, stated that Carpenter’s claim can proceed, referencing the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in 303 Creative v. Elenis from last year. This ruling underscores potential First Amendment concerns over compelled speech in similar contexts.
As the case is sent back to the district court, the next step will involve deliberation over issuing a preliminary injunction. For further information, the full report can be found here.