The Illinois Human Rights Commission has ruled a bed and breakfast in Bloomington-Normal violated the law in denying access to a same-sex couple. Todd and Mark Wathen wanted to use the Timber Creek Bed and Breakfast in Paxton to celebrate their civil union.
Attorney Betty Tsamis represents the Wathens in the case that began four years ago.
“If your business is open to the public and if you’re not a religiously-affiliated business … corporations don’t get to express their religious beliefs in denying goods and services to individuals,” Tsamis said.
Tsamis says the commission tabled the religious belief exemption argument pending an expected appeal. She says the decision has broad implications for LGBT people seeking services from businesses.
“The question, I think, that is prominent nationally is to what extent do these claims of religious liberty and religious objection: How far can they go?” Tsamis said.
Tsamis argues that a corporation cannot assert a religious exemption to the human rights law. She expects Timber Creek B and B to appeal to the courts.
Todd Wathen said in a statement that he and his partner hope the decision will prevent other couples from being discriminated against by a business just because of who they are.