Gay men sue hotel for denying them double bed

23 March 2009

A gay couple is suing the Christian owners of a Cornish hotel for discrimination after being denied access to a double bed.

The owners of the Chymorvah hotel in Marazion state clearly on their website that double rooms are not available to unmarried couples, gay or straight.

“Here at Chymorvah we have few rules but please note that as Christians we have a deep regard for marriage ( being the union of one man to one woman for life to the exclusion of others ).

“Therefore, although we extend to all a warm welcome to our home, our double bedded accommodation is not available to unmarried couples.”

Civil partners Martyn Hall and Steven Preddy served papers on the hotel last week in a county court claim for damages, alleging direct discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation.

Michael Judge, spokesman for the Christian Institute, said many Christians would feel the approach taken by the hotel was entirely acceptable.

“Just because the owners are running a business, they do not leave the Christian beliefs behind them. They do not want to be complicit in acts they disagree with.”

The Institute is funding the hotel owners’ defence costs. He said their defence might focus on Article 9 of the ECHR (freedom of religion) and Article 10 (freedom of speech).

In a separate development, Lillian Ladele, the Christian registrar at Islington Council who refused to carry out civil partnership ceremonies, is petitioning the Court of Appeal against a ruling that she had not been discriminated against by the Employment and Appeal Tribunal.

Mr Justice Elias, former president of the EAT, held that Christian registrars who refused to perform civil partnership ceremonies should be disciplined, as should gay registrars who refused to marry Christian evangelicals.

The EAT refused her leave to appeal to the Court of Appeal earlier this month, so she is petitioning the Court of Appeal directly.

“We’re waiting to hear,” Judge said. “I’m hoping it will be weeks rather than months.”