AFA applauds Kentucky ruling: Photographer’s religious choice is inviolable

TUPELO, Miss. —  The American Family Association (AFA, www.AFA.net) commends a federal judge in Western Kentucky for appealing to the U.S. Constitution to override Louisville’s public accommodation nondiscrimination ordinance. Local officials used the ordinance to “punish a professional Christian photographer” for declining to photograph marriage ceremonies for same-sex unions. Louisville photographer Chelsey Nelson stood her ground and sued Louisville and Jefferson County three years ago for violating her constitutional rights for freedom of speech and free exercise of religion.

On the case, Judge Benjamin Beaton, a Trump appointee, wrote that “compelled speech is antithetical to the freedom of speech, which, presupposes a willing speaker.”

American Family Association Executive Vice President Ed Vitagliano commented on the victory for free speech, celebrating the ruling as a positive sign for Christians across the country.

Vitagliano stated, “In the collision between religious liberty and sexual freedom, the radical LGBTQ movement has made it clear — by explicit statements and by actions like those taken by the city of Louisville — that they believe religious liberty should be forced into the closet. We are grateful that President Donald Trump, during his time in office, appointed so many clear constitutionalists to the federal bench. If it had not been for his kept promises, religious freedom in America would be hanging by a thread. Christians must maintain a bold and faithful witness to the truth of God’s word and not be intimidated by those who hate that truth.”

For over 40 years, AFA has operated within the mission to inform, equip, and activate individuals to strengthen the moral foundations of American culture and give aid to the church here and abroad in its task of fulfilling the Great Commission.  Founded in 1977, AFA has long been on the front lines of America’s culture war. Today, AFA is one of the largest and most effective pro-family organizations in the country, with nearly a million online supporters and approximately 110,000 subscribers to The Stand (formerly known as the AFA Journal), the ministry’s monthly magazine.  Find AFA Action Alerts here.  In addition, AFA owns and operates nearly 180 radio stations across the country under the American Family Radio banner. 

View the media page for AFA here. For more information on American Family Association, visit www.afa.net or follow AFA on Facebook or Twitter @AmericanFamAssc.        

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To interview an AFA spokesperson, contact Media@HamiltonStrategies.com, Beth Harrison, 610.584.1096, ext. 105, or Deborah Hamilton, ext. 102.