A Christian photography studio is guilty of discrimination because it refused to take pictures of a gay commitment ceremony, according to a New Mexico’s Court of Appeals ruling.
That decision against Elane Photography upholds a lower court ruling that said the photo studio is considered a public accommodation, similar to a restaurant or store.
The case dates back to 2008 when New Mexico Human Rights Commission ruled the studio violated the state’s Human Rights Act and discriminated against Vanessa Willock because of her sexual orientation.
Elane Photography Studio argued that the decision is simply a reflection of the owners’ religious and moral beliefs.
If a homosexual came in for a portrait I’m sure they would be accommodated, but they wanted this photographer to be involved in a ceremony celebrating an act that is against their religious convictions. Are we to believe this is the ONLY photographer available and that they were not targeted for a lawsuit because they knew this would happen?
Business owners should have the right to refuse service period. Especially when they believe it compromises their religious convictions. Religious liberty is a fundamental right in our nation and it is slowly being eroded by court decisions such as this.
I would hope that the New Mexico Legislature and Governor Susana Martinez would act to protect freedom of conscience in their state.