Story perspectives

Louisville Settles LGBTQ+ Lawsuit, Upholds Fairness Ordinance

3/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

Louisville will pay $800,000 in legal fees to Chelsey Nelson (photographer), who challenged the city's LGBTQ+ nondiscrimination law, with support from Alliance Defending Freedom, arguing the law forced her to promote views on marriage contrary to her beliefs.
The settlement ends the lawsuit but preserves Louisville's Fairness Ordinance, which prohibits discrimination against LGBTQ individuals.
City officials reaffirm their commitment to enforcing the Fairness Ordinance.
The case follows a similar U.S. Supreme Court ruling involving a Colorado website designer who claimed her business would be forced to serve same-sex couples against her religious beliefs.

1 of 1

Story summary

Louisville will pay $800,000 in legal fees to Chelsey Nelson (photographer), who challenged the city's LGBTQ+ nondiscrimination law, with support from Alliance Defending Freedom, arguing the law forced her to promote views on marriage contrary to her beliefs.
The settlement ends the lawsuit but preserves Louisville's Fairness Ordinance, which prohibits discrimination against LGBTQ individuals.
City officials reaffirm their commitment to enforcing the Fairness Ordinance.
The case follows a similar U.S. Supreme Court ruling involving a Colorado website designer who claimed her business would be forced to serve same-sex couples against her religious beliefs.