Tsamis Law Firm PC Represents Gay Men Denied Civil Union Ceremony
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tsamis Law Firm PC Represents Gay Men Denied Civil Union Ceremony in Illinois
February 19, 2011 - Chicago, IL -Todd Wathen and his partner were jubilant when Illinois enacted recent legislation permitting civil unions between same sex couples. The law goes into effect June 1, 2011. Their jubilation, however, quickly turned to shock when the partners, who are planning their civil union, were blatantly denied access to the special events services of two Illinois bed and breakfast inns that advertise publicly for such services.
One inn owner emailed Mr. Wathen that even if it was the law, his business would never host gay weddings or civil unions. Several days later, the inn owner sent another email to Mr. Wathen citing various biblical verses “detailing how the Creator of the Universe looks at the gay lifestyle” and denouncing gay people.
The two men have filed complaints with the Illinois Attorney General and the Illinois Department of Human Rights alleging violations of the Illinois Human Rights Act which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation by businesses open to the public.
For additional information please contact:
Betty Tsamis
Tsamis Law Firm P.C.
(866) 703-5509
btsamis@tsamislaw.com
http://www.tsamislaw.com/civilunioncase.html
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This Case in the news:
GAY CHICAGO MAGAZINE:
http://www.nowingaychicago.com/2011/02/gay-couple-denied-civil-union-at-bed.html
CHICAGO SUN TIMES: