Christian who refused to let gay couple stay at B&B ordered to pay damages
The Christian owner of a bed and breakfast has been ordered to pay damages after a court found her refusal to let a gay couple stay in one of her double rooms amounted to direct discrimination and a breach of equality law.
Michael Black and John Morgan brought a civil case against Susanne Wilkinson, who owns the Swiss Bed and Breakfast in Cookham, Berkshire, after they were refused accommodation at the premises in March 2010 despite having made a reservation and paid a deposit.
In a verdict delivered on Thursday by recorder Claire Moulder at Reading county court, Wilkinson was ordered to pay £3,600 in damages to the couple, who said they were shocked and embarrassed and felt "like lepers" after being told they were not welcome at the B&B because their same-sex relationship was against the owner's convictions....
