A New Mexico court has ruled that a local photographer was not permitted to refuse to shoot photos at a gay wedding on the grounds of religious opposition. The court dealt with both the discrimination laws and the First Amendment in coming to its decision. In essence the court said that personal opinions must yield to a changing society.
You will recall that Rand Paul got himself in a bit of a problem during his campaign when he was portrayed as opposing a requirement of the Civil Rights Act which prohibits a restaurant owner from refusing to seat or sell to a customer based upon race. This case applied a similar civil rights analysis to the refusal of the photographer to take pictures at a gay wedding.
This language from the case is sure to spark some pretty heated discussion.
“[I]n the “world of the marketplace, of commerce, of public accommodation, the [photographers] have to channel their conduct, not their beliefs, so as to leave space for other Americans who believe something different.” [Turley]
Regardless you feelings about gay marriage, "government compelled conduct" is a hot topic.
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