A Judge who originally threw out the Christian B&B couples’ attempts to overturn a ruling that said they could not discriminate against gay couples has had a rethink and dropped all legal costs.
Supreme Court deputy president Baroness Hale has ordered that all legal costs faced by Peter and Hazelmary Bull be dropped, after the couple’s final attempt at an appeal was thrown out of court, in a highly unusual move, which could save the hoteliers thousands of pounds.
According to the Bristol Post Baroness Hale has called for ‘a re-think on gay and religious rights more than six months after she refused hoteliers Peter and Hazelmary Bull’s final appeal.’ The B&B owners had made several attempts to have the ruling overturned.
Mr and Mrs Ball turned away gay couple Martyn Hall and Steven Preddy in 2008, citing religious beliefs for the reason why the two men couldn’t share a room. Mr Hall and Mr Preddy then took the Bulls to court in a high-profile court case, which the civilly partnered couple won. The Bulls were ordered to pay £3600 in damages to Mr Hall and Mr Preddy.
Baroness Hale said that she may have been wrong in condemning the couple and that the law should work on a “conscience clause” for Christians in cases like the Bulls.
On the Hotel’s website the Bulls state,
‘Here at Chymorvah we have few rules, but please note that as Christians we have a deep regard for marriage (being the union of one man to one woman for life to the exclusion of all others).
‘Therefore, although we extend to all a warm welcome to our home, our double bedded accommodation is not available to unmarried couples. Thank you.’
