Christian Studio Can't Refuse To Photograph Lesbian Couple, Court Rules

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- A professional photographer who refused to take pictures of a gay couple's commitment ceremony violated state anti-discrimination laws, the New Mexico Court of Appeals has ruled.

The court on Thursday agreed with a previous ruling, in which a district court judge said the photo studio is considered public, similar to a restaurant or store, and cannot refuse service based on sexual orientation, the Albuquerque Journal reported. The photography studio had argued that its refusal was not an act of discrimination but a reflection of the owners' religious and moral beliefs.