‘Substantial evidence’ facilities violated gay couple’s civil rights

[w8liftinglady]

http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/7102555-418/substantial-evidence-facilities-violated-gay-couples-civil-rights.html

The state Department of Human Rights has found “substantial evidence” that the civil rights of a gay couple were violated by two facilities that refused to host their civil union ceremony.


After the rejections, Todd and Mark Wathen filed complaints with the state, got their civil union license on June 1 and on June 4 had a ceremony and reception in their backyard.


“It wasn’t exactly what we wanted,” Todd Wathen said, but, “It was nice. We had a tent and tables and a gazebo, my two children were there,” as well as brothers, sisters, other family and friends. “It turned out good.”


The Wathens are being represented by Chicago attorney Betty Tsamis. They filed complaints with the Attorney General’s office and the Dept. of Human Rights alleging violations of the Illinois Human Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation by businesses open to the public.


Last week, they were informed by the department that it concluded “there is substantial evidence that a civil rights violation has been committed.”

[aquart]

1. Civil union, feh! Should have gotten married in New York.