Gay Guesthouses Investigated for Discrimination

The Equality and Human Rights Commission in the UK is investigating whether gay-only guesthouses by definition violate antidiscrimination laws.

According to the Daily Telegraph, the watchdog agency said it must establish "objective balance" following a recent case in which the Christian owners of a guesthouse in Cornwall were found guilty of discriminating against a gay couple.

"Its lawyers are now investigating the issue and the EHRC says it has not ruled out taking legal action against 'gay-only' hotels if they are deemed to be discriminating against heterosexuals," reports the Telegraph.

The agency acknowledged it has not received any complaints about discrimination at gay-only guesthouses.

Owners and operators of the gay guesthouses worry that being forced to accommodate heterosexual guests could discourage their gay clientele and put the guesthouses out of business.