Premium Content:

US venue fined for refusing lesbian wedding; denied appeal

yay-1761511

A New York state business who were fined $13,000 USD for denying a lesbian couple the right to marry at their venue have been denied the opportunity to appeal their case under the state’s anti-discrimination law.

- Advertisement -

Liberty Ridge Farm owners Cynthia and Robert Gifford refused to allow Melisa and Jennie McCarthy to marry on their premises near Albany, New York. The Gifford’s claimed they had the right to refuse the ladies’ request on the grounds of their Christian beliefs, and appealed to New York’s Division of Human Rights.

“The Giffords are free to adhere to and profess their religious beliefs that same-sex couples should not marry,” presiding Supreme Court Appelate Division Judge Karen Peters ruled.

“But they must permit same-sex couples to marry on the premises if they choose to allow opposite-sex couples to do so.”

The Gifford’s attourney Caleb Dalton of the Alliance Defending Freedom claims the court “should have rejected this unwarranted and unconstitutional government intrusion.”

Melisa and Jennie McCarthy were successfully joined in marriage at an alternative venue.

OIP Staff

Sources

 

Latest

‘Invisible Boys’ star Joseph Zada cast in new ‘The Hunger Games’ film

The 20-year-old actor's career is going gangbusters.

The Stella Prize shortlist is a great way to find a great book to read

Six remarkable books are in contentio nfor the award.

Catch ‘The Wedding Banquet’ this week at Luna Leederville

The film has been getting great reviews.

On This Gay Day | Blues singer Ma Rainey was born

Blues singer Ma Rainey is remembered for her groundbreaking references to same-sex relationships.

Newsletter

Don't miss

‘Invisible Boys’ star Joseph Zada cast in new ‘The Hunger Games’ film

The 20-year-old actor's career is going gangbusters.

The Stella Prize shortlist is a great way to find a great book to read

Six remarkable books are in contentio nfor the award.

Catch ‘The Wedding Banquet’ this week at Luna Leederville

The film has been getting great reviews.

On This Gay Day | Blues singer Ma Rainey was born

Blues singer Ma Rainey is remembered for her groundbreaking references to same-sex relationships.

Eartha Kitt’s 80’s dance hit gets a new lease of life

Producer Joe T Vannelli has given the classic track a refresh.

‘Invisible Boys’ star Joseph Zada cast in new ‘The Hunger Games’ film

The 20-year-old actor's career is going gangbusters.

The Stella Prize shortlist is a great way to find a great book to read

Six remarkable books are in contentio nfor the award.

Catch ‘The Wedding Banquet’ this week at Luna Leederville

The film has been getting great reviews.