The city of Louisville, Kentucky will pay $800,000 in attorneys’ fees for violating the First Amendment rights of a Christian photographer and blogger.
“The government can’t force Americans to say things they don’t believe in,” said Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) Senior Counsel Bryan Neihart. “For nearly six years, Louisville officials attempted to do so by threatening to force Chelsey to advance her views on marriage that conflicted with her religious beliefs.”
Chelsey Nelson, owner of Chelsey Nelson Photography, uses her passion for wedding photography. He believes that God created marriage as a lifelong bond between one man and one woman.
Although Chelsey works with clients of all faiths and backgrounds, she cannot in good conscience use her talents and abilities to celebrate ceremonies she disagrees with – such as “same-sex weddings.”
However, the city of Louisville, invoking its public accommodations law (Metro Ordinance ยง 92.05), used the threat of “unlimited costs, compliance reports, posting notices, and court orders to force Chelsey to take photos for, blog about, and participate” in same-sex weddings.
The city has also made it illegal for Chelsey to explain why she believes marriage is between a man and a woman. on his business website. Can you imagine a more direct attack on free speech?
In order to protect her conscience, business and constitutional rights, Chelsey filed a lawsuit alleging the Louisville law violated the First and Fourteenth Amendments and the Kentucky Religious Freedom Restoration Act. Chelsey is represented by ADF solicitors.
The organization released a video sharing Chelsey’s story, which you can watch below:
On August 30, 2022, the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky issued a permanent injunction barring Louisville from enforcing its residency laws against Chelsey.
The court said that such laws “force” Louisville Americans to “betray their faith.” Indeed, “the First Amendment exists to … keep the artist’s expression truly free,” it added.
Now, the city of Louisville has agreed to settle the lawsuit and pay $800,000 in attorneys’ fees, costs and expenses. The city finally decided to settle after a September 2025 ruling from the court, saying, “Nelson suffered First Amendment injuries.”
“The threats in Louisville violate the principles of the First Amendment, which leaves decisions about what to say to the people, not the government,” Neihart added. “This decision should teach Louisville that violating the United States Constitution can be costly.”
No Christian should be forced by the government to violate their religious beliefs and celebrate a festival they believe is sinful.
We congratulate Chelsey on her victory and applaud her for standing up for her faith and her constitutional rights.
The case is Chelsey Nelson Photography v. Louisville-Jefferson County Metro Government.
To speak with a family support specialist or request resources, please call us at 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).
Related articles and resources:
Freedom of Religion and Freedom of Speech
Austin Fire Chaplain Wins Housing After Being Fired for Protecting the Truth About Viruses
Teacher Wins $650,000 After Fired for Refusing to Use ‘Trans’ Pronouns.
Oregon School District Pays $650,000 to Fire Teachers Against ‘Trans’ Policy
Christian Wedding Photographer Can Ban Same-Sex Events, Kentucky Federal Court Rules
Photo from Alliance Defending Freedom.
#Louisville #Pay #Violating #Christian #Players #Free #Speech #Rights