Supreme Court Won't Hear New Mexico Appeal of Anti-Gay Marriage Photographer

A Rally in front of the U.S. Supreme Court, March 2013

The U.S. Supreme Court will not hear the case of a pair of New Mexico wedding photographers who were found to have violated the state's anti-discrimination laws by refusing to photograph a same-sex wedding ceremony, USA Today reports.

Oregon opponents of same-sex marriage are moving forward with a ballot measure that would provide a religious exemption to businesses who don't want to provide services for same-sex ceremonies. Jim Oleske, a law professor at Lewis & Clarke said the New Mexico ruling could impact how other states including Oregon interpret laws regarding free speech and commercial businesses. 

Elane Photography told Albuquerque couple Vanessa Willock and Misti Collinsworth in 2006 that it would only shoot "traditional weddings." 

The USA Today reports:

Oleske said a Supreme Court case that could more directly affect the outcome of any ballot measure Oregonians might pass into law is that of Hobby Lobby. The company that has refused to provide birth control to its employees abased on the religious beliefs of its owners. The Supreme Court should rule on that case before the July 4 holiday.

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