SA Couple Denied Gay Marriage
Talk about a rude flip-flop!
South African lesbian couple Carole van der Berg and Helen Ross had planned on using an East London resort to hold their long-awaited nuptials.
Hoping to get things going, the ladies traveled to the resort, Country Style Catering and Venue, to discuss menu, seating and all the other logistics. Staff welcomed them with open arms, but were later told that the venue’s owner disapproved on religious beliefs.
Needless to say, the women aren’t happy…
“For the past 13 years I have been with my soul mate, I have never been discriminated against or been judged as they did to us,†said Van der Berg.
The owner of the venue, Colleen Horrmann, said they were forced to turn down the couple’s request because they were members of Jehovah Witness.
“I like them very much and I have nothing against them but we do not condone same- sex marriages,†said Horrmann.
She said the couple should understand that it was not as if they did not want them to get married – it was a case of not at their venue. “They are making a big thing out of nothing,†said Horrmann.
Well, actually, sir, it’s not “nothing.” We’re not sure if you know, Horrmann, but South Africa recognizes same-sex unions and by turning these ladies away, well, you’re violating their constitutional rights. That’s a pretty big deal, we think – but what do we know?!
Screw London- go to Brighton, sisters.
I think that technically they could sue. South African hotels and restaurants can’t exclude people on racial grounds, so resorts that hire out their facilities shouldn’t be able to exclude people on grounds of sexuality. They should check up on this.
Here is an excert from the original article.
“But constitutional law expert Professor Pierre de Vos, of the University of Western Cape, disagreed.
“The couple can go to the Equality Court to challenge this and the court can order the owners to change their policy,†said De Vos.
He said when providing services like a restaurant, hotel or other venue, owners could not discriminate against others on the basis of their race, sex and sexual orientation, irrespective of their personal convictions.”
They can indeed take legal action, but I’m not sure if they have grounds to sue.
Well, after seeing that picture, I think they SHOULD let them get married….sweet Jesus would you want one of them to procreate???
Paul, no need to be ill-mannered. Leave that to Fred Phelps.
Both look hot!….3ways anyone?
Darth, sweetheart, East London is a city in South Africa.