NM Supreme Court Hears Appeal By Photographer

The New Mexico Supreme Court on Monday morning hears the appeal of an Albuquerque photographer fined by the state for refusing to take pictures of a lesbian couple's commitment ceremony.

A conservative group called Alliance Defending Freedom is helping Elaine Huguenin of Elane Photography, arguing artistic freedom enables her to choose what to photograph.

Lower courts have upheld a nearly $7,000 judgment against the photographer for violating the state Human Rights Act.

The courts say a photo studio is public, like a restaurant or store, and cannot refuse to provide service based on sexual orientation.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.