Lesbian Couple Denied Access for Civil Union
June 27, 2007
by Kim Trobee

Two lesbians in New Jersey have filed a civil rights complaint after a beachfront pavilion, affiliated with the Methodist Church, refused to host their civil union.

For 138 years, the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association has owned property on the beach in New Jersey. As part of its ministry, the camp allows weddings to be held on the grounds and, in particular, the beachfront pavilion. But when Harriet Bernstein and Luisa Paster requested the space for their civil union ceremony, chief administrative officer Scott Hoffman, said they had to be denied.

“That was inconsistent with our deeply held beliefs and inconsistent with the United Methodist Church Book of Discipline.”

Gay advocates often argue that their push for civil rights includes exemptions for religious freedom, but Tom McClusky with the Family Research Council calls that a sham. the rest