Los Angeles (UPI) A homosexual couple who won a landmark decision against a publisher who refused to include their photo in a high school reunion yearbook said Friday they believe the ruling sends a message to business. David Engel and Eric Underwood, actors who call themselves life companions, said they believe their victory will be "shared by multitudes of gays and lesbians for many years to come." The California Court of Appeals ruled Thursday that Worthington Reunion Photographers of Costa Mesa, California, violated the state's civil rights laws when it refused to print a photo of Engel and Underwood at Engel's high school reunion in 1987. The company had said it would not run photos of same-sex couples in their publications. Engel said at a news conference he expected ths case to "shine as an example to businesses all over that bigotry and discrimination will not be tolerated." "We are people and all people deserve equal treatment, equal rights and equal respect in all business matters," Underwood said. "Discrimination is now clearly against the law. We are very happy with our victory today." The appellate court ruled the publishing company violated civil rights laws by discriminating because of sexual orientation. An Orange County Superior Court judge had earlier rejected the couple's lawsuit, saying the company's actions were based on sound business practice. A hearing will be set to determine whether the men should receive any monetary reimbursement for damages and attorneys' fees. Attorney Gloria Allred, whose firm represented the couple, said the decision will be binding in California courts and could be influential nationwide.