This case concerns a state’s attempt to compel a private individual to express support for ideas that are anathema to their sincerely held religious convictions in violation of the First Amendment. Floral design is a form of artistic expression akin to painting or sculpture, and by mandating that the petitioner here, Barronelle Stutzman, create custom flower arrangements in celebration of same-sex marriage ceremonies or be forced out of business, the Washington Supreme Court has effectively undermined this Court’s declaration that speech compulsions are just as unconstitutional as speech restrictions.
ArleneFlowersStutzman_v_Washington_case_17-108_amici_curiae