UK: Anti-gay Christian B&B pair lose Supreme Court appeal

Peter and Hazelmary Bull, the Christian B&B owners who were prosecuted for discriminating against a same-sex couple, have lost their latest legal challenge at the UK Supreme Court.

Five Supreme Court justices ruled against them on Wednesday after analysing the case at a hearing in London.

Civil partners Martin Hall and Steven Preddy were turned away from the Chymorvah Hotel near Penzance in 2008 under the Bulls’ policy of not allowing unmarried couples to share rooms.

Judges had already twice ruled the Bulls broke equality laws in the running of their business.

The UK Supreme Court, the highest court in the land, began hearing their appeal in October.

In February, the Court of Appeal upheld a ruling against the Bulls made by Bristol County Court in early 2011.

It stated that the Bulls’ behaviour amounted to direct discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation, and awarded a total of £3,600 damages to Mr Hall and Mr Preddy.

Unhappy with the Court of Appeal’s verdict, the Bulls took their case to the UK Supreme Court.

The Bulls told judges that they think any sex outside of marriage is “a sin” – but deny discriminating against Mr Hall and Mr Preddy.

The Equality Act 2010 states that it’s illegal to refuse to provide goods and services based upon a person’s sexual orientation and gender identity.

• Nov 29 2023

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