Michael Imperioli is speaking out against this week’s American Supreme Court decision. Michael Imperioli has made the decision to refuse his services to the intolerant in reaction to the Supreme Court’s recent ruling, allowing a Christian web designer to decline her services to LGBTQ+ people.
With that, the star of The Sopranos has joined a chorus of Hollywood celebrities criticizing the Supreme Court for its recent ruling in favor of the Christian web designer’s right to discriminate against same-sex marriage on the basis of religion.
Michael Imperioli Forbids Bigots and Homophobes From Watching the Sopranos
On Instagram, the White Lotus actor shared a screenshot of a news article that states, “Supreme Court protects web designer who won’t do gay wedding websites.”
In response to this news, Imperioli has announced that all “bigots and homophobes” are now banned from watching any film or TV series that he’s ever had a role in.
“I’ve decided to forbid bigots and homophobes from watching The Sopranos, The White Lotus, Goodfellas, or any movie or TV show I’ve been in,” Imperioli says. “Thank you Supreme Court for allowing me to discriminate and exclude those who I don’t agree with and am opposed to. USA! USA!”
In a later reply, Imperioli wrote, “Hate and ignorance is not a legitimate point of view.”
The decision by the Supreme Court, which was reached by a 6-3 majority on Friday, to support site designer, Lorie Smith, has been considered by many as a major setback for the LGBTQ+ community.
What Is The Controversial Supreme Court Ruling?
On Friday, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of an evangelical Christian website designer in a case regarding whether creative businesses could refuse service to LGBTQ+ customers on the basis of First Amendment speech rights.
The Supreme Court’s 6-3 majority ruling dealt a severe blow to LGBTQ protections. In this case, Lorie Smith, the web designer, declined to design wedding websites for same-sex couples on the basis of her religious faith.
Lorie Smith, who opposes same-sex marriage for religious reasons, claimed that as a creative professional, she had the right to practice her freedom of speech and decline to take on works that go against her beliefs. And the Supreme Court said that artists cannot be compelled to express messages against their religious beliefs.
Even though Michael Imperioli can’t truly stop people from watching his shows, he stood his ground in the replies to his tongue-in-cheek statement.
“I’m in Australia and don’t get the issue here. As a business owner, can’t you choose who you want to do business with?” one user asked.
Michael Imperioli responded with a question of his own: “So if I don’t want to serve Australians in my restaurant you are cool with that?”
He raised concern about the state of America as well, saying that it is getting more and more ignorant. Imperioli’s robust remark displays his unwavering commitment to furthering inclusivity and equality.
Source:Variety
