Methodist Church Camp Sued by Lesbian Couple

A privately-owned Methodist-run camp ground in New Jersey has had a civil rights complaint filed against it by a lesbian couple.The couple claims that the camp discriminated when the camp declined to host a same-sex ceremony. New Jersey officials and newspapers have come out denouncing the Ocean Grove Camp Ground Association for not allowing the ceremony at a boardwalk pavilion that is used primarily for faith-oriented events. Law in New Jersey prohibits discrimination in public accommodations based on sexual orientation, but Methodist church law disapproves of same-sex unions.“The Ocean Grove controversy is yet another example of how pleas for ‘tolerance’ too often morph into new and insidious forms of intolerance,”Institute for Religion and Democracy Director of UMAction Mark Tooley said.Tooley stated, “United Methodist Church leaders everywhere should stand up for Ocean Grove’s religious and civil liberties when it attempts to operate in accord with United Methodist beliefs. Currently, United Methodists churches are prohibited by church law from celebrating same-sex unions. How much longer before the intrusive arm of government attempts to override church policies in the name of ‘tolerance?’”
http://www.thecronline.com/news_article.php?nid=2710&ndate=02/07/2007
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