February 26, 2018 - 12:34 PM
HONOLULU - A Hawaii appeals court has ruled against a bed and breakfast that denied two women a room because they're gay.
The Intermediate Court of Appeals last week affirmed a lower court ruling that found Aloha Bed & Breakfast violated the law by discriminating against the couple on the basis of their sexual orientation.
The ruling said owner Phyllis Young told the couple she was uncomfortable reserving a room for lesbians. Young says she and her husband are strong Christians.
Diane Cervelli and Taeko Bufford of Long Beach, California, tried to book a room there in 2007 because it's in the same Honolulu neighbourhood where they were visiting a friend.
Lambda Legal, which advocates for same-sex rights, says Hawaii law is clear that businesses must be open to all.
News from © The Associated Press, 2018