The owners of a Whangarei lodge have apologised to a lesbian couple who they refused a double bed. Pilgrim Planet owners Michael and Karen Ruskin have issued a formal apology to Jane Collison "for the humiliation and inconvenience caused to her by refusing to permit her, together with her same-sex partner Paula, to occupy the pre-booked room for them with a king size bed." They add: "The consequences of our actions were not intended to hurt or distress Jane," and finish with the statement: "We wish to be able to live accordingly to our consciences and beliefs." Mediation was held on Wednesday, after Collison lodged a complaint with the Human Rights Commission about how she and her partner, Paula Knight, were treated. The couple was refused a double bed by Karen Ruskin, who told them they best find somewhere else to stay. Her husband Michael Ruskin later explained gay and lesbian couples were not welcome to share a bed at the lodge, because of their religious beliefs. Aside from the release of the apology, no further comment or statement on the case will be made.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Saturday, 6th July 2013 - 6:34pm