DJ refuses to play at gay man’s birthday party
A Maryland DJ refused to play at the birthday party of a gay man.
Tom Tsakounis was planning the party for his 60-year-old house-mate, and was told by the entertainment company they could not provide music at the party, as Mr Tsakounis is in a relationship with another man, and the house-mate is also gay.
Michael Lampiris, co-owner of Ultrasound Deejays, told the Washington Post: “I just said, ‘We won’t be able to do it, we’re a Christian organization and it would go against our faith, I’m sorry.’”
“It’s important for us to make a stand. We don’t want to go against the law, but we also sometimes are called to do that if it goes against your faith. To me it would be like a synagogue having to cater to a neo-Nazi party or black DJ having to do a KKK dance.”
The company policy reportedly states: “We will not be involved in any event involving homosexual celebration or activity. We follow biblical morality.” It also refuses to provide music for provocative dancing, strippers, fortune tellers, psychics, or magicians.
Maryland bans discrimination against LGBT people in the provision of good and services, and specifically mentions entertainment.
Mr Tsakounis has lodged a complaint with the Montgomery County Human Rights Commission.
He said the incident: “made me feel like I got hit in the stomach. You feel like: ‘C’mon, in my neighborhood?’ But, wow, yes – in my neighbourhood.”
