The Equality Network, Scotland’s national lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) equality and human rights charity, has responded to news that a same-sex couple were turned away from a popular Scottish wedding venue because of their sexual orientation.
STEPHEN and John Devaney, who have been civil partners since 2006, were told by owner of Loch Lomond Waterfront, Suzanne Cottom, “we can’t have people like you here”.
The couple are considering taking legal action after being told by Ms Cottom that she was the owner, could do what she liked and “marriage should be between a man and a woman”.
John said: “I couldn’t believe someone could be so intolerant in this day and age. We’ve fought for many years for equal rights. That woman stripped me of them in an instant.”
Stephen and John, who run a successful party planning business, had driven from Glasgow to Cottam’s five-star resort near Balmaha on Loch Lomondside to check it out as a possible venue for their wedding next year.
Tom French, Policy and Public Affairs Coordinator for the Equality Network, said: “Scotland has very clear laws in place protecting people from discrimination. Whatever your personal views, if you choose to run a business in Scotland, such as a hotel or wedding venue, it must be open to all customers regardless of their sexual orientation. It is discriminatory and against the law to deny someone a service because they are gay, in the same way that it is illegal for a business to turn someone away because of their race or their religion. All businesses should ensure they comply with their obligations under the law, and LGBTI people should be aware that no business is allowed to discriminate against them.”
The provisions of the Equality Act 2010 make it illegal for a provider of goods, facilities or services to deny someone a service because of their sexual orientation, race, religious beliefs, and other protected characteristics. This includes hotels and wedding venues.
The Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Act 2014 came into effect on December 16 2014, allowing same-sex marriage in Scotland. Over 500 same-sex couples have already made use of the new law.
The Equality Network has produced a guide to the new law informing same-sex couples and LGBTI people of their rights, including protections from discrimination:
To download a copy of the guide, click here:
