Monday 22 March 2010

Can't Stay If You're Gay, B&B Tells Couple

A gay couple have complained to the police after being turned away from a bed and breakfast because of their sexuality.

The website for the Swiss Bed and Breakfast in Cookham, Berkshire, promises a "warm and friendly welcome".

But when Michael Black, 62, and 56-year-old John Morgan, from Brampton, Cambridgeshire, turned up on Friday the owner was immediately wary of them.

Mr Black told Sky News: "We said we'd booked a double room and she then said 'It goes against my convictions to have two men sharing'."

The couple had booked the Zurich room at the property on the internet.

When they informed owners Susanne and Mike Wilkinson it was illegal to turn them away on the grounds of their sexuality, they claim she said that because the property was her private home she was not breaking the law.

The Wilkinsons said: "We turned them away because we have a Christian faith and for us to allow people to engage in homosexual activity within our house would go against our faith."

The two men were given a refund and the following day they made an official complaint to the police.

Thames Valley Police say it is a civil rather than criminal offence, so it is up to the two men whether they want to take any further action.

Both men said they were shocked to meet such homophobia. They are surprised by the media interest in their story but are hopeful it will raise awareness of the legal situation for proprietors who were unaware.

Story from SKYNEWS.

No comments: