Darden operates a hair salon in Santa Fe, where Republican Governor Susana Martinez has been a regular customer. Darden announced in 2013 that Martinez was no longer welcome in his shop because she didn't support legal recognition of same-sex marriage. Nor would he share his secret hair coloring formula with the Governor, something he was willing to do for other clients.

"Normally I sell the formula to people if they want to go to a different salon that is cheaper," Darden explained. "I normally give the formula to clients if they're moving out of state because I care about my clients. But I would not give that formula to her."

Not content to withhold his services from Martinez, Darden – a gay rights activist — sought to discourage his competitors from taking her money, as well: "I have talked with some of the other hairstylists who've emailed me…. They're major salons here in Santa Fe and they told me they're following suit with me and she is not welcome in their salons either."