IF that story is true, not saying you are lying only that I do not know your source so no idea whether it is trustworthy or not. But If it is it is a partial story, there is missing information, like for instance the photographer was under some binding contractural agreement, or something similar.
I as a privet not taking public monies, I'll say photographer, but any other business will work, cannot be forced to take any job I do not agree to take. If I am hiring an individual to work for my company I cannot refuse to hire someone from a protected group (age, gender, race etc....) for the reason they are in that group, I can refuse to hire them for any other reason though. If I am a wedding photographer and you come to hire me to shoot your wedding I can refuse for any reason I want to. It is my business, my job, my descision.