Carpenter v. James (U.S.D.C. Western District of New York, 2021)

At issue in this case is a business invoking the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment to seek a religious exemption from a New York State anti-discrimination law for the purpose of denying wedding photography services to LGBTQ+ couples. In opposing this claim, the legal brief joined by ADL asserts that such an exemption is not required by the Free Exercise Clause. Furthermore, New York’s public accommodations law does not coerce participation in religious activity. Finally, antidiscrimination laws protect religious freedom, including that of adherents of underrepresented faiths who could be discriminated against if this exemption is granted.