In a blow against gay rights, the conservative-leaning Supreme court ruled Friday that a Christian graphic designer is within her rights to deny service to same-sex couples, based on her religious beliefs.
The court ruled 6-3 for designer Lorie Smith, who had argued a Colorado law that prevents discrimination based on sexual orientation, race, gender and other characteristics is against her rights to free speech.
Opponents of this newly-established norm say this opens the door for a variety of discrimination - businesses will be able to refuse service not just to same-sex couples, but also Black, Jewish or Muslim customers, interracial or interfaith couples or immigrants.
