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.