Straight Couples Say They Were Kicked Out Of Gay Hotel In Key West

Doglips · 04-17-2004, 11:44 AM

Straight Couples Say They Were Kicked Out Of Gay Hotel In Key West

POSTED: 2:18 pm EDT April 16, 2004
UPDATED: 3:36 pm EDT April 16, 2004

KEY WEST, Fla. -- Three heterosexual couples said they were turned away from a hotel in this gay-friendly tourist destination because of their sexual orientation, which would violate city law.

The six were vacationing with a gay couple and had reservations at Big Ruby's in downtown Key West when the three straight couples were turned away.

"The manager literally said, 'We don't want you here,"' said Jim Pirih, who had vacationed at Big Ruby's last year with his partner, Jason Williams.

The group, most of whom are from San Diego, was already settled in their rooms Wednesday when the manager told the straight couples they would have to leave, citing a policy of not allowing heterosexuals on the property, Pirih said.

"He said he had to appeal to the majority, and the majority of guests wouldn't want straight people there," Pirih said.

The six were allowed to stay one night, but had to check out Thursday morning and were told they wouldn't be compensated for the inconvenience, Pirih said.

Big Ruby's did not immediately return a phone message Friday.

Key West has a city ordinance that prohibits discrimination by sexual orientation in housing and lodging. Violators can face a civil citation and be fined up to $500.

Scott Fraser, executive director of the Gay & Lesbian Community Center of Key West, said any discrimination base on sexual orientation is wrong.

"Whether it's a couple turned away from a place of business because they're gay, or a straight couple refused admittance because it's a gay facility, socially and legally that's discrimination and equally as unacceptable," Fraser said Friday.

Florida law allows a clothing-optional resort to be gender exclusive and prohibit children.

The couples were kicked out the same day six same-sex couples sued in Key West in an attempt to overturn state laws banning gay marriage. A similar lawsuit was filed in Fort Lauderdale in February, and court challenges are under way in six other states.
Copyright 2004 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Dennis · 04-18-2004, 05:29 AM

it is so sad to see that the people that untill very reciently have concidered deveants are now excluding the straights.
Because of .....Why? For what purpose?
tyranny is tyranny one way or the other.
Why is it so important to them?

04-17-2004, 11:44 AM	#1
Doglips Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Cocoa Florida Posts: 9,090 Trader Rating: (0)	Straight Couples Say They Were Kicked Out Of Gay Hotel In Key West Straight Couples Say They Were Kicked Out Of Gay Hotel In Key West POSTED: 2:18 pm EDT April 16, 2004 UPDATED: 3:36 pm EDT April 16, 2004 KEY WEST, Fla. -- Three heterosexual couples said they were turned away from a hotel in this gay-friendly tourist destination because of their sexual orientation, which would violate city law. The six were vacationing with a gay couple and had reservations at Big Ruby's in downtown Key West when the three straight couples were turned away. "The manager literally said, 'We don't want you here,"' said Jim Pirih, who had vacationed at Big Ruby's last year with his partner, Jason Williams. The group, most of whom are from San Diego, was already settled in their rooms Wednesday when the manager told the straight couples they would have to leave, citing a policy of not allowing heterosexuals on the property, Pirih said. "He said he had to appeal to the majority, and the majority of guests wouldn't want straight people there," Pirih said. The six were allowed to stay one night, but had to check out Thursday morning and were told they wouldn't be compensated for the inconvenience, Pirih said. Big Ruby's did not immediately return a phone message Friday. Key West has a city ordinance that prohibits discrimination by sexual orientation in housing and lodging. Violators can face a civil citation and be fined up to $500. Scott Fraser, executive director of the Gay & Lesbian Community Center of Key West, said any discrimination base on sexual orientation is wrong. "Whether it's a couple turned away from a place of business because they're gay, or a straight couple refused admittance because it's a gay facility, socially and legally that's discrimination and equally as unacceptable," Fraser said Friday. Florida law allows a clothing-optional resort to be gender exclusive and prohibit children. The couples were kicked out the same day six same-sex couples sued in Key West in an attempt to overturn state laws banning gay marriage. A similar lawsuit was filed in Fort Lauderdale in February, and court challenges are under way in six other states. Copyright 2004 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

04-18-2004, 05:29 AM	#2
Dennis Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 1,876 Trader Rating: (0)	it is so sad to see that the people that untill very reciently have concidered deveants are now excluding the straights. Because of .....Why? For what purpose? tyranny is tyranny one way or the other. Why is it so important to them? __________________ Submitted with respect to all