State Panel: Paxton B&B Violated The Law
The Illinois Human Rights Commission says a business in Paxton can't refuse to serve a same sex couple. Todd and Mark Wathen had wanted to use the Timber Creek Bed and Breakfast to celebrate their civil union.
Attorney Betty Tsamis represents the Wathens in the case that began four years ago.
"If you’re a business open the public, and you’re not a religiously affiliated business, you’re a corporation," she said. "For example, in this case, corporations don’t get to express their religious beliefs in denying goods and services to individuals.”
Tsamis said the commission tabled the religious belief exemption argument pending an expected appeal. She said the decision has broad implications for LGBT persons seeking services from businesses.
“The question, I think, that is prominent nationally, is to what extent do these claims of religious liberty – and religious objection – how far can they go?," she said.
Todd Wathen said in a statement that he and his partner hope the decision will prevent other couples from being discriminated against by a business just because of who they are.
Links
- Senate OKs Gay Rights Bill Banning Discrimination
- Complaint Says Insurance Plans Discriminate Against HIV Patients
- Vatican Report Expresses More Tolerance For Gays, Unmarried Couples
- High Court Turns Away Gay Marriage Appeals in Five States, Including Indiana
- Rainbow Illinois: A Survey of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender People in Central Illinois
- Some Indiana Gay Marriages Could Be Invalid
- Appeals Court Rules Against Gay Marriage Bans In Indiana, Wisconsin
- Champaign Attorney Helps Same-Sex Couples Adopt
- Macon County May Issue Same-Sex Licenses Early
- Champaign County Now Issuing Same-Sex Marriage Licenses
- Group: 5,000 Same-Sex Marriages In Illinois
- Illinois Human Rights Commission website