With the aid of Alliance Defending of Freedom, the state of Virginia has settled with Christian photographer, Bob Updegrove, the Daily Caller reports.

Updegrove took the state to court after it passed legislation in 2020 that required him to support and affirm same-sex marriages by providing his photography services for these types of ceremonies.

However, the state was forced to settle with Updegrove after the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Lorie Smith, a Christian who operated a wedding website design company in Colorado called 303 Creative LLC.

The government sued Smith over her refusal to design a website for gay marriages. The Supreme Court ruled that the state of Colorado cannot compel an individual to support and affirm something they do not believe in.

In light of that decision, the State of Virginia decided to settle with Updegrove, realizing further litigation would be costly and ultimately result in a losing battle.

In announcing the settlement ADF counsel Johannes Widmalm-Delphonse stated in a news release:

“Free speech is for everyone. As the Supreme Court recently affirmed in 303 Creative, the government can’t force Americans to say things they don’t believe. This victory for Bob underscores how the 303 Creative decision will protect countless Americans from government censorship and coercion. The U.S. Constitution protects his freedom to express his views as he continues to serve clients of all backgrounds and beliefs.”

READ: Christian Wedding Photographer Who Refused to Celebrate Same-Sex Marriage Wins Settlement