LOUISVILLE, Ky. – To conclude a lawsuit brought by Alliance Defending Freedom attorneys, the city of Louisville has agreed to pay $800,000 in attorneys’ fees for violating the First Amendment rights of photographer and blogger Chelsey Nelson. The fee settlement comes after the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky held Louisville accountable for violating Nelson’s freedom to speak messages consistent with her religious beliefs.

ADF VP of Litigation Strategy Jonathan Scruggs:  “Women deserve privacy, safety, and dignity when they come to work. Title VII was enacted to end sex discrimination, not to redefine the word ‘sex’ out of existence. This is just another example of how gender ideology harms women, denies reality, and moves us backward….”

ADF Senior Counsel Matt Bowman:  “It’s unconscionable for any state to force pro-life, religious ministries or businesses to pay for abortions. We’re pleased the Trump administration affirmed today that federal law protects Americans’ conscience rights by prohibiting government officials from compelling religious or pro-life organizations to act in violation of their sincerely held faith convictions….”