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Love your
neighbour...
Unless of course he's gay |
A gay couple were turned away from a bed and breakfast by its
Christian owner who claimed it was against her convictions for two men
to share a bed.
Michael Black and John Morgan booked a double room at the B&B in
Cookham, Berkshire.
When they arrived, Susanne Wilkinson and her husband Francis refused
to allow them to stay. The owner said later that she had turned them
away because it was against her policy to accommodate same sex couples.
Black and Morgan claimed they were treated like lepers as a result of
their sexuality. They reported the matter to Thames Valley police and
have given a statement to police. Under the Equality Act 2006 it is
illegal to discriminate against people on the grounds of sexual
orientation.
Black said: We're two respectable middle-aged men. John is leader
of the Lib Dem group on Huntingdon town council. This was the first time
either of us had experienced homophobia at first hand, despite being
aged 56 and 62. We were shocked and embarrassed. Mrs Wilkinson saw us
both before we got out of the car and immediately acted in an
unwelcoming, cold way, but my boyfriend and I were polite and friendly.
She apologised for turning them away and she returned their deposit
and was in no way abusive, the couple said.
Mrs Wilkinson said: I don't see why I should change my mind and my
beliefs I've held for years just because the government should force it
on me. The property is not a hotel. It operates as a guest house and
private home.
Mr Wilkinson said: We are Christians and we believe our rights
don't have to be subordinated. We have religious freedom and we are not
judging that but we are not prepared to have that sort of activity under
our roof.
Based on
article
from
christian.org.uk
The Christian B&B owners who wouldn't give a double bed to a
homosexual couple have been deluged with hate mail, including a threat
to burn down their home.
Mike and Susanne Wilkinson have been subjected to abusive phone
calls, text messages and emails since the story emerged in the media.
And police officers arrived at the couple's home last night to look
into the abuse.
Mr Wilkinson described the abuse, saying: There must have been 900
emails, and I would say half of them are really abusive and threatening.
I'm really saddened that so many people have articulated themselves
in such a foul way.
The Christian Institute's Mike Judge said: Whether you agree with
the Wilkinsons' beliefs or not, a diverse society is one that respects
diversity of opinion. Surely the world is big enough to let people
disagree. Suing someone because you don't like their beliefs is
illiberal, undemocratic and has no place in a free society.
A
gay couple who were turned away by a Christian bed and breakfast owner
because it was against her convictions to let them share a double
bed are suing her for damages.
