Appeal by photographer in gay bias case is heard

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Attorneys for an Albuquerque photographer who declined to chronicle the commitment ceremony of a lesbian couple say the photographer was exercising free speech rights.

Jordan Lorence of the Alliance Defending Freedom told the New Mexico Supreme Court on Monday that it should overturn a discrimination judgment against Elaine Huguenin and Elane Photography.

The lawyer says artistic freedom and free speech rights allow her to choose what to photograph.

Lorence also says Huguenin had the right to decline to photograph the ceremony because it violated her religious beliefs.

Tobias Wolff, a University of Pennsylvania law professor defending the couple, says the studio advertised as a public business and therefore must abide by anti-discrimination laws.