Social justice rears its ugly head.
Via AZ Central:
Breanna Koski is a painter. Joanna Duka is a calligrapher. Together, they create beautiful artwork for special occasions, especially weddings.
But shortly after the two young friends launched Brush and Nib Studio, they met an unexpected obstacle blocking their artistic expression: The city of Phoenix.
A city ordinance requires Koski and Duka to create their custom artwork for all wedding ceremonies, whether traditional or same-sex. As committed Christians – the pair met at a Bible study – this conflicts with their deeply held religious beliefs.
The two happily serve all individuals regardless of their sexual orientation. Their consciences, however, don’t allow them to promote weddings that they consider inconsistent with their faith.
f Brush and Nib was mass-producing generic announcements, that would be one thing. But each of their creations is hand-painted and hand-lettered after a long meeting with the clients.
Even worse than the city’s compelled artistic expression, the Phoenix law also forbids them from publicly expressing their beliefs on the matter of marriage. So much for free speech.
Since Phoenix’s sweeping ordinance violates their right to free expression, both artistically and on matters of faith, Koski and Duka took their concerns to the justice system.
Last year, a Maricopa County Superior Court judge ruled against the two entrepreneurs. Late last month, they appealed that decision, with oral arguments taking place on April 23.
Penalty for speaking: Jail, fines, probation“We pour our hearts and souls into the custom artwork we create and we care deeply about the messages they express,” Duka said at a press conference following the hearing.
“We would like to tell you more, but right now Phoenix law limits even what we can share with you today.”
Those were her last words; the city succeeded in shutting her up.
What would have happened if she said any banned words? She and her business partner could receive up to six months in jail, $2,500 in fines and three years of probation for each day the city decided there was a violation.