Suit Challenges Refusal To Rent B&B Room To Lesbian Couple

Lambda Legal yesterday announced the filing of a lawsuit in state court in Hawaii on behalf of a lesbian couple who were refused a room at a bed and breakfast by the sole proprietor owner because her personal religious views made her uncomfortable renting to a same-sex couple. The complaint (full text) in Cervelli v. Aloha Bed & Breakfast, (HI Cir. Ct., filed 12/19/2011), alleges that the refusal by owner Phyllis Young to rent a room to Diane Cervelli and Taeko Bufford violates Hawaii statutes, Chap. 489, that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in public accommodations. During the course of an investigation of the matter by the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, Young expressed her opinion that homosexuality is "detestable" and that "it defiles our land."