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Brush & Nib Studio v. City of Phoenix
Summary
A Phoenix art studio that specializes in hand-painting, hand-lettering, and calligraphy for weddings and other events is challenging a city ordinance that forces the studio’s two owners to use their artistic talents to promote same-sex ceremonies. The ordinance also forbids them from publicly expressing the Christian beliefs that prevent them from doing so and that require them to create art celebrating only marriages between one man and one woman.
Press Releases
October 1, 2018
Legislators, publisher, religious groups voice support for artistic freedom at Arizona Supreme Court
July 10, 2018
Facing threat of jail time, Arizona artists ask state Supreme Court to protect their freedom
October 25, 2017
Painter, calligrapher to appeal decision that allows Phoenix to control artistic expression
March 9, 2017
Artists to appeals court: Halt Phoenix ordinance that punishes artistic freedom with jail time
Commentary
A ruling for discrimination? No, Brush & Nib is good news for everyone
Jonathan Scruggs
September 24, 2019
Why the Arizona Supreme Court ruling in favor of our art studio is a win for everyone
Joanna Duka
September 19, 2019
Case Documents
Court
Title
Date
State Supreme Court
12/20/2018
State Supreme Court
12/20/2018
State Supreme Court
12/20/2018
State Supreme Court
12/20/2018
State Supreme Court
09/28/2018
State Supreme Court
09/28/2018
State Supreme Court
09/28/2018
State Supreme Court
09/28/2018
Trial Court
09/19/2016
Additional Resources
One Page Summary
Phoenix Municipal Code Section 18-4: Prohibited acts
Phoenix Municipal Code Section 18-7: Penalties
Phoenix Municipal Code Section 18-5: General penalty; continuing violations
Pre-enforcement Challenges Backgrounder
Case Profiles
State court docket watch: Brush & Nib Studio v. City of Phoenix
Jonathan Scruggs
April 03, 2020