I do not live in a state that has gay marriage, so I do not have to personally deal with that situation at this time; I'm sure there will be a time when I will need to, but I haven't figured out everything in life yet.

I know I didn't have anything to do with that fireman, but I feel the need to apologize on his behalf. This world could use a lot more tactful people, regardless of what they believe.

I agree that no one should be forced to serve a client they don't want to. In my previous life as a Studio Manager, I severed relationships with clients that were abusive, rowdy, stole, etc. I don't believe anyone should be forced to do anything they don't want to do. Likewise, no one should be kept from doing what they want to do if it hurts no one else... especially if it makes them very happy! Marrying your love hurts no one. Being a jerk to a complete stranger hurts them. Who is really in the wrong here?

If you disapprove, definitely do not do it. You aren't doing any service to the couple by taking a gig you have a problem with. Their images are much too precious for you to capture. But please... don't turn away gay weddings because you are scared of what other people will think!

By the way, what do you tell a potential client when it becomes painfully obvious they will be a problem? "Sorry, I do not photograph weddings for people that I know will be a problem?" I think you probably say something else - like maybe you just booked that day. I think that's the way to go in any situation that you feel is a bad fit.

When I was in labor with my third child, I had some complications and my midwife decided that I should be transported to the hospital as a precaution. My 4-year old daughter was present for her sister's home birth a year ago, and was very excited to met her baby brother. The firemen arrived at my home first and I said to my 4 year old daughter, "I'm sorry you won't get to see your baby brother come out." One of the young firemen who obviously disapproved then said, "I'm not." Way to ruin one of the most beautiful moments of my life. I could have punched that guy right in the face. If you have a problem with women in labor, don't be a fireman! The IRS is always hiring...

I also will not ever photograph such 'weddings'. If I'm sued it will bankrupt me. I will shutter my business and tell every couple that loses their deposit where their money went.

They have declared war. Time to get off the fence and be counted.

That statement is very false in this case. There is no hate being expressed. People are entitled to their convictions on BOTH sides of the table. The photographer was very respectful. The wording of the original e-mail request implied acknowledgement that Ms. Willock expected some photographers to not accept the assignment due to the sexual orientation of the couple. Of course, that didn't stop her from becoming offended.

The fact that they lost on their appeal just leaves me speechless.

Be glad that the photographer is expressing reservations. The disconnect would very likely show up in the pictures. This would give the prospective couple plenty of time to find an amicable photographer.

Unless there was some signed contract and the photographer had a change of heart or just didn't show up, I don't see why this whole suit wasn't thrown out of court. There was no agreement, so I don't see how the photographer was liable for anything at all.

I'm not a photographer, but we have clients where I work where some people opt out of working on the client because they are morally or religiously opposed. I, for example, refuse to work on our lottery account. A designer we had didn't feel comfortable working for a business that catered to very progressive causes. If we didn't have such a diverse staff, we might've had to turn down those clients simply due to a lack of employees who would work on them.

So... if I'm a studio owner, and someone comes to me to shoot a same-sex wedding, but none of my photographers are willing to do it, what would be my business' obligation under the law to serve them?

radmila said "...the rights of the owners of the studio (their religious belief) were not respected. "

the studio is a business. unless that business is a church, they have no religious beliefs as a business. you need to understand the difference between personal rights and business rights. its a BIG difference. unless a business is a church, they don't have religious beliefs in the eyes of the law, therefore there are no religious beliefs to be respected in this case. this is a very important thing that needs to be understood. as a person they may not agree based on their own personal religious beliefs, but WHEN YOU ARE RUNNING A BUSINESS, you do not have this right AS A BUSINESS. this particular business owner was unaware of the difference and that is their own fault. not all business owners are smart business owners. it is what it is.

Although, I do believe that had they actually taken the job, they may have learned something about themselves.

Having said that, I'll make another observation: while having lots of disposable income, gays are not known to be large consumers of photography. I won't speculate on the reasons for this, but it has been my experience.

> I don't particularly care about you, as much as I do about the people you're helping to abuse and bully by being such a doormat. But sleep well anyway.

So if I do stand up and then lose a large chunk my business will you step in and give me the money to support my family?

If you want to give some good advice to them, try this: if you feel it will offend your conservative customers that you have photographed a gay couple's wedding, DON'T TELL THEM ABOUT IT.

Personally, I'm an amateur, but after I photographed my gay best friends' wedding, my straight friends were so pleased with the pictures that several asked me to play wedding photographer for them. Maybe it would be a professionally good idea for photographers in california to associate themselves professionally with cool people instead of bigots.

thats a fine opinion, but i have a feeling the supreme court isn't going to side with you on that one.

As long as I can provide for my family I'll sleep well at night. But thanks for your concern!

You're not taking it, you're contributing to it. Don't give yourself so much credit.

Like I said. My first allegiance is to supporting my family.

I don't care if people call me names, as long as I can provide for my family then I can take any sort of abuse or bullying.

With any luck, the law will eventually force you to "change sides", since you apparently don't have the intestinal fortitude to do it otherwise.