Most Americans assume that they can say what they wish — even if it doesn’t match the government’s views — without incurring the government’s wrath. Sure, they know they may lose friends and endure harsh criticisms, but they’re not worried that the crushing weight of government will force them into silence.

Regrettably, many people can no longer assume such fundamental freedom. The case of Masterpiece Cakeshop owner Jack Phillips, who has had to ask the U.S. Supreme Court to restore the freedom the state of Colorado denied him, illustrates this truth. Now we also see the struggle for freedom in the case of Lorie Smith, another creative professional fighting Colorado’s discriminatory application of its law to pick winners and losers — allowing “free speech” for those who hold the state’s views and punishing those who speak competing views. Unfortunately for Lorie, she, like Jack, falls in the “competing views” camp that Colorado singles out for special punishment.