Christian-owned bed and breakfast fined for not hosting same-sex couple; decision stands

PAXTON, Il. — A Christian-owned bed and breakfast in Illinois must host gay weddings, a state panel decided.

According to the Christian Post, TimberCreek Bed & Breakfast denied to host the wedding ceremony of a same-sex couple back in 2011. The bed and breakfast owners, who have hosted opposite-sex couple in the past, said that gay marriage violates their beliefs.

The same-sex couple went on to file a formal complaint with the Department of Human rights and the bed and breakfast was forced to pay a $30,000 fine.

TimberCreek owner Jim Walder tried to appeal the decision, but a 3-member panel of the Illinois Human Rights Commission refused to hear the appeal. Walder said he plans on appealing to the full state Human Rights Commission next.

Walder said he feels the decision is reverse discrimination against business owners.

Cox Media Group