The battle lines are drawn in a controversial case that will test the strength of Phoenix’s gay anti-discrimination law.
The Arizona Supreme Court is preparing for oral arguments next month and briefs filed in the case reveal who’s on which side.
The case centers on a Phoenix wedding invitation business that preemptively sued Phoenix over its non-discrimination ordinance, which includes sexual orientation.
The business owners argue making invitations for same-sex weddings goes against their religious beliefs and the city’s law would force them to do that.
Defending Phoenix’s non-discrimination law: more than 200 businesses, Arizona’s major sports teams and companies like Intel, Go Daddy and Banner.
Supporting the two owners of Brush & Nib Studio: 26 members of the Arizona Legislature — including incoming Speaker of the House Rusty Bowers and Senate President Karen Fann— as well as Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich.
The case may have broad implications for religious freedom and discrimination in Arizona.
Oral arguments are set for Jan. 22.
