Brush & Nib Studio v. City of Phoenix (Arizona Court of Appeals – Division One)

Brush & Nib is a calligraphy company that creates customized art. Its owners are Christians who operate their business in keeping with their faith. For example, they will not promote messages that demean others, promote racism, or objectify the female body. The company has never refused a customer because of who they are; such a refusal would itself be contrary to the owners’ beliefs. They serve all people, but decline to promote all messages.

Joanna and Breanna, Brush & Nib’s owners, are challenging a Phoenix ordinance that would require them to violate their faith by creating art promoting same-sex marriage. The statute goes so far as to prohibit them from even explaining to their customers why they may not do so.

The Jewish Coalition for Religious Liberty joined the Coalition for Jewish Values, Ethics and Religious Liberty Coalition, and the Rabbinical Alliance of America in supporting Brush & Nib. Amici highlighted the manner in which a religious practitioner’s faith is infused in every aspect of her life—including her work.

The full brief is available for download here.