to think you shouldn't have to accommodate gay / unmarried couples?

[moogstera1]

Re. the b and b owners who have been fined for refusing to allow a gay couple to share a room.
From what I can gather, they are committed Christians who do not allow hetero or homosexual unmarried couples to share a room.
The gay couple deliberatly chose this B and B as they knew they would be refused a shared room and wanted to make a legal point.
They were offered 2 seperate rooms but refused.
So, despite personally not being at all religious and not caring if someone wants to share their bed with whoever they choose, AIBU to think that in their own home, they can choose to uphold their values ( which seem to be consistent as regards no unmarried couples.)

hotel etc are able to refuse to accommodate large groups where there is no specific age element, such as hen parties and stag parties but not if they ban only stag parties or hen parties or if they try to introduce an age limit ie stag/hen parties under 30 years old.

but I am one of those who go where I would like to feel welcome and comfortable ...

But how would you know until you got there? Most people book B&Bs on the web, based on Trip Advisor ratings or a recommendation. It's not like you fill in your sexual orientation on the booking form.

^But isn't religion or belief a protected characteristic as well and she was protecting hers ??
From the Equality act Act 2010...^

You can't use one protected characteristic to discriminate against another one. I'm pregnant so I'm allowed to be racist...nope, doesn't work.

Yes, it is. Anyone providing goods or services to her would not be allowed to discriminate against her because of her Christian beliefs. ironic isn't it.

However I could discriminate against her personally as a bigot who I didn't want to do business with as long as I had no general rule against doing business with christians.

Its also about supplying goods or services, or employing someone. Being homophobic is not illegal.

They should not be running a service to the public if the do not feel able to accept all members of the public regardless of thier sexuality, race, religion of favourite type of cheese

to be fair catgirl - they can legally discriminate against cheese lovers of any sort unfair though it seems.

Not sure how they'd fare discriminating based on the religious beliefs of client's favourite cheeses :o

:) that's true. I don't believe cheese choice is protected in law

But is should be :)

Personally I don't understand people who love Edam. But I do tolerate them. To a point

Bloody typos

I wonder which cheese would follow which religions?

I bet Cheddar is CoE

OP YABVU and the fact that Nick Griffin would agree with you should be a clue as to exactly how unreasonable you are being!

I don't know if it's been mentioned on this thread so far (I have read some of it. But not all, sorry!) but Nick Griffin tweeted the actual full address of the couple, in response to the verdict, suggesting that people might like to give them a surprise visit. (inciting violence basically).

That's absolutely disgusting IMO.

His twitter account has been suspended. I sincerely hope he faces charges.

Edam lover here

No room at the inn for you SHRIIIEEK

Maybe I am just not getting it .

She can't discriminate against them as they are gay

However,

They can't discriminate against her because of her religion.

I do think its wrong ( no actually sad) that they felt they had to go to such an extreme to prove a point though... Its like insisting that the pope bless the legal partnership - he might be happy they are in love but there is no way he could do it .
I think I feel sorry for all concerned the couple and the B&B to be honest.

Is booking into a B&B an extreme?

I prefer hotels, but I don't think staying a B&B is extreme

Depends on the breakfast I suppose

Oh shit we have moved onto cheese .... I had a dream of red leicester cheese and pickle on a granary roll the other night....I live abroad and can get only the pickle....

Rosa, how are they discriminating against her?

It relates to the provision of goods or services or employment. Not some wishy washy definition.

mmmmmmm pickle

I'm not really that keen on cheese.

"They can't discriminate against her because of her religion." - if they were to be providing a service to her. They aren't in this case so its not relevant, but say they owned a shop and she wanted to buy an apple, they can't say "we won't sell you an apple because you're christian" but they could say "we won't serve you personally because you refused to serve us (or because you like Edam - delete as appropriate" because its not discriminatory of a protected group

Gouda must be the holiest...

they are not being discriminatory to her christianity by daring to turn up at her publically advertised hotel (she doesn't call it a B&B)

Not keen on cheese?

Oooh vair good Grimma

Oh - except for Stilton. I like Stilton.

not keen on cheese except stilton - thats just bizarre. Its like saying - I'm not keen on alcohol except Meths, I quite like meths!