Posted on 06/05/2012 7:21:34 AM PDT by marshmallow
The New Mexico Court of Appeals has ruled 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 court based its judgment on the text of the New Mexico Human Rights Act (NMHRA), which makes it illegal “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.”
“Elane Photography’s owners are Christians who believe that marriage is a sacred union of one man and one woman,” the court noted in its opinion. “Elane Photography denied Willock’s request to photograph the ceremony based upon its policy of refusing to photograph images that convey the message that marriage can be defined to include combinations of people other than the union of one man and one woman … They also believe that photography is an artistically expressive form of communication and photographing a same-sex commitment ceremony would disobey God and the teachings of the Bible by communicating a message contrary to their religious and personal beliefs.”
(Excerpt) Read more at catholicculture.org ...
“New Mexico” yet ANOTHER mistake of the 20th Century. Some places(NM,UT,AZ,OK,HI and AK should have NEVER been admitted into our union!
Ok. I’ll bite. Are we supposed to be free people or not? So yes, that includes choosing not to serve anyone for any reason.
Yes, certainly you should be able to refuse service for any reason at all. Any respectable blacks, whites, etc., however, would be welcome in my business.
This is the kind of fight I’d fully take to arms before buckling under.
The SCOTUS already ruled that Freedom of Association is precluded by the freedom NOT to associate.
Read “The Harbinger” and you’ll see that we (America) are on the road to destruction. Our “tolerance” means less adherence to our own faith and values, hence the increased attack on anything Christian or moral. Photographers now, bakers, caterers, florists, bridal wear, etc.: all these and other businesses subject to the same stupid interpretation. And, I agree that churches’ IRS status is under attack. We are so doomed...
fer later
I forget who it was that said, “Judge Marbury has made his ruling. Let him enforce it.”
But Christians won't do it ; they just won't take the time to write an intelligent letter, or make an intelligent phone call, or make a visit to an office. But they will spend considerable time on Facebook and playing computer games.
Christians : your representatives really do NOT know what you believe ; they never will unless YOU tell them.
Posting on Free Republic is just not enough.
Yes. If you own the business you should be able to refuse service for ANY reason. Your customer base will decide your success or failure.
I believe you are thinking of Andrew Jackson, with reference to a decision handed down by John Marshall in favor of the Indians.
Why didn’t they just say they were closed that day or already booked up?
Stupid waste of taxpayers money to make such a big thing of this and have to go to court over it.
I agree wholeheartedly. Charge them outrageous fees for the service and take crappy photos.
Hair stylists come to mind... A stylist very well simply not be very good at cutting hair that has a different texture than what they are used to.
Sounds like a marketing opportunity for hundreds of photography businesses.
I wouldn't base my business plan on providing photograhy services for same sex marriages, though.
The NM Court of Appeals is an intermediate-level court, but I'll ping this because it is of significant interest.
FReepmail me to subscribe to or unsubscribe from the 50-State Supreme Court ping list.
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