Court: Christians Cannot Refuse to Photograph Same-Sex Ceremonies

Catholic Culture ^ | 8/23/13

[marshmallow]

In a 5-0 decision, the New Mexico Supreme Court upheld a lower court determination that it is illegal for a photography business owned by Christians to refuse to photograph a same-sex wedding ceremony--even though New Mexico law does not permit same-sex marriage.

The courts based their decisions on the text of the New Mexico Human Rights Act (NMHRA), which makes it illegal for “any person in any public accommodation to make a distinction, directly or indirectly, in offering or refusing to offer its services . . . to any person because of race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, spousal affiliation or physical or mental handicap.”

Referring to the business’s owners, Justice Richard Bosson said in his concurring opinion that the “Huguenins today can no more turn away customers on the basis of sexual orientation--photographing a same-sex marriage ceremony--than they could refuse to photograph African-Americans or Muslims.”

[aimhigh]

If I were a photographer, my signature logo would be a cross that would appear in all photos. That would deter some homo-promos.

[shadeaud]

Does this mean it’s ok to take video of homosexuals in public bathrooms singing Mooooon River?

[libertarian27]

I wonder if Muslim photographers are allowed to deny service.

[Intolerant in NJ]

And yet Fox mentioned a poll that showed something like 75% of those surveyed believed the photographer had the right to refuse the gays’ request - those in power in this country really are as out of touch with the people as was, let’s say, Marie Antoinette.....

[jtal]

white martyrdom has arrived here in the USA.

not long until we get the red variety.

[Maelstorm]

The gay tyranny wins again. The Freedom of Association is continuing to die and is being replaced with a freedom for leftists to dictate. They need to take this to the Supreme court even with the punk Anthony Kennedy there.

[1rudeboy]

It just boggles my mind that a purchaser of a service, when told by the purveyor of that service that it cannot be performed, expects performance. I guess capitalism and contract are passé.

[Steve_Seattle]

Can a newspaper refuse to run an ad by an anti-abortion group or some other political group? They can, and do - why is that not illegal discrimination?

[Little Pig]

Shouldn’t take too long to find some muslim waiter who will refuse service for someone ordering ham or bacon. Challenge that, and when the court refuses to prosecute the case, decry the double standard and void the law.

[Steve_Seattle]

"I wonder if Muslim photographers are allowed to deny service."

That raises an interesting question - I thought Islam prohibited reproduction of human or animal figures, so how can a Muslim even be a photographer, and how can Muslim newspapers contain photographs that depict people or animals?

[doc1019]

I would take all the pictures they want, however, I would not be responsible for all the out of focus and chandelier photos I might happen to take.

[GraceG]

So does this mean if a child pornographer decided to hire a christian photographer they would HAVE to film the abuse and shut up about it?????

What the hell is wrong with us as a country?

If Bestiality is legalized then a photographer would be forced to have to film someone and man’s best better than friend get at it...

It sickens the mind...

[workerbee]

And yet Fox mentioned a poll that showed something like 75% of those surveyed believed the photographer had the right to refuse the gays’ request

Of COURSE they had the right. The question is, what can normal, thinking Americans do about tyrannical dictates like this? Because it is only going to get worse, as more and more ridiculous "demands" will be requested for the sole purpose (as this one assuredly was) of demoralizing and denigrating traditional American/Christian beliefs.

[Jonty30]

I’d be probably be willing to take pictures of the ceremony, but make it clear that every homosexual ceremony that I had to attend, the proceeds would be given to turning gays into straights.

[doc1019]

To follow-up, you want good pictures, hire a queer photographer.

[Amendment10]

From a related thread....

I wonder what law school New Mexico’s judges got indoctrinated at?

Simply put, not only have the states amended the Constitution to expressly protect freedom of religious expression as evidenced by the 1st Amendment to the Constitution, but the states have never amended the Constitution to protect so-called gay rights.

So New Mexico is actually in violation of Section 1 of the 14th Amendment imo. Section 1 prohibits the states from making laws, like this pro-gay law, which abridge constitutionally enumerated freedoms like religious expression.

[fortheDeclaration]

WOW!

[steve86]

Some people in the ruling class are going to be very surprised how fast things reverse one day. Stay tuned.