The English Court of Appeal has found in favour of a couple in a civil partnership who were defending a County Court ruling that they had been the victims of direct discrimination by the owners of a hotel. The couple had received the backing of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) to defend the appeal.

The County Court had ruled that hotel owners Mr and Mrs Bull were wrong to refuse Mr Preddy and Mr Hall a double room for the night in their hotel. The owners said that their hotel rule, based on their Christian faith, was that no unmarried couples could share a double room. Mr and Mrs Bull had appealed against the County Court’s decision.

The Court of Appeal agreed with the County Court that the hotel’s rule directly discriminated against civil partners Mr Preddy and Mr Hall. The couple were treated differently because of their sexual orientation as it is not possible for a gay couple to marry.

John Wadham, Group Director Legal, Equality and Human Rights Commission, said:

“I have genuine sympathy for Mr and Mrs Bull, as their beliefs are clearly strongly held. We believe that this case will help people to better understand the law around freedom of religion. When offering a service, people cannot use their beliefs – religious or otherwise – to discriminate against others.”

The Scottish government has recently carried out a consultation exercise over the introduction of marriage for same-sex couples. The English government has announced its intention to begin a similar consultation exercise in March of this year.