Christian hotel owners to appeal against discrimination decision

Christian hotel owners to appeal against discrimination decision

Christian hotel owners will appeal against the court ruling which said that they were acting illegally when they refused to allow a gay couple to stay in a double room at their B&B.

Last week Bristol Crown Court ordered Peter and Hazelmary Bull to pay £1,800 in compensation each to Martyn Hall and Steven Preddy, who were refused a room because of the Bulls' Christian beliefs.

Mr Hall and Mr Preddy argued that they were being discriminated against under the Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2007.

The Bulls' defence was funded by the Christian Institute, and is believed to have cost around £45,000 already.

Mike Judge, of the Christian Institute, told ITV's West Country Tonight: "Obviously there are some finally balanced legal issues in this case and I think it is important our higher courts have the opportunity to look at this issue.

"A lot of Christians are looking at this case with great concern and they do believe their beliefs have been squeezed from public life."

After the decision last week Mrs Bull said that Christianity is being marginalised in Britain.

She added that her belief was that some people were more equal than others, despite claims that everyone is equal.

The appeal is expected to be heard later this year at the Court of Appeal.

Posted by Amanda Hopkins