For Immediate Release:
June 30, 2023

Statement on the U.S. Supreme Court’s Decision in 303 Creative LLC v. Aubrey Elenis

WASHINGTON - The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (“NAPABA”) expresses its profound disappointment in the United States Supreme Court’s decision today in 303 Creative LLC v. Aubrey Elenis, which held that a website design business – notwithstanding state anti-discrimination laws – may refuse to deliver services to same-sex couples. Contrary to the Court’s analysis, the First Amendment need not countenance such discriminatory acts, and ultimately, the LGBTQ+ community will bear the brunt of this misguided decision.

NAPABA is committed to the equal and dignified treatment of the LGBTQ+ community. Today’s decision is a stark reminder of the responsibility of policymakers to act swiftly, and NAPABA calls on Congress again to pass the Equality Act, which would amend federal law to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex, sexual orientation and gender identity.  

In the months leading to the 2023 NAPABA Convention in Indianapolis this November and beyond, and as part of our Advocacy Action Plan, NAPABA will be laser-focused on supporting and uplifting the LGBTQ+ community. The Court’s ruling today is a setback, but NAPABA’s work in cementing the AANHPI and LGBTQ+ communities as an integral part of the fabric of this Nation will continue unabated.

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The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA), represents the interests of over 60,000 Asian Pacific American (APA) legal professionals and nearly 90 national, state, and local APA bar associations. NAPABA is a leader in addressing civil rights issues confronting Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. Through its national network, NAPABA provides a strong voice for increased diversity of the federal and state judiciaries, advocates for equal opportunity in the workplace, works to eliminate hate crimes and anti-immigrant sentiment, and promotes the professional development of people of all backgrounds in the legal profession.