Illinois Lesbian Couple Denied Use Of Reception Hall Because Of Manager's Religious Beliefs

An Illinois-based lesbian couple is searching for a new wedding venue after the manager of one historic banquet hall told them she wouldn't help "celebrate that sin."

As ABC 7 News is reporting, Kristen Stewart, the manager of the University Club in downtown Moline, says she won't host a reception for Taylor Shumaker and her partner of three years -- or any other same-sex couple, for that matter -- because of her religious beliefs.

"Because marriage is a covenant that God created for man and woman, then, as a biblical Christian, I cannot help them enter into or celebrate that sin," Stewart told the news channel.

Schumaker claims Stewart offered to take her on a tour of the club this week, but first asked if ''he" (meaning her fianc?) would be accompanying her. Notes Schumaker: ?I said, it?s a woman, and she said oh, we don?t rent to homosexual couples.?

Schumaker then added she was more hurt than angry over the experience. ?I cried when I got off the phone because, honestly, I wouldn?t have called there if I knew it was their policy," she said. "If it would have been on the website from the very beginning, I wouldn?t have wasted my time."

Though same-sex marriage is not legal in Illinois, the state does ban discrimination based on sexual orientation, suggesting Stewart?s decision is unlawful, Think Progress blogger Zach Ford points out.

Interestingly, Stewart's husband Perry has since clarified to WQAD, via Fox News 8, that his wife "mis-spoke" and there is no ban on same-sex marriages at his banquet hall.

Earlier on HuffPost:

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