Pilgrim Planet Lodge The case of a lesbian couple who were told they could not share a bed at Whangarei’s Pilgrim Planet Lodge received the most hits on GayNZ.com on 2013. In May Jane Collison and Paula Knight were told “we cannot have two women, or men, sleeping in the same bed. This is my home and it is offensive to me,” when they turned up to check in. The owners of the lodge Michael and Karen Ruskin then explained it was due to religious beliefs, with Michael Ruskin even stating “we don’t make provision for sodomy”. The community ‘wrath and wit’ the story sparked was the third most-read GayNZ.com story this year. The case eventually went to the Human Rights Commission mediation, and the owners issued a weak apology, but still say gay couples are not welcome to share beds under their roof, despite extensive anti-discrimination provisions in New Zealand law. Find out which other stories were popular on GayNZ.com in 2013 here
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Tuesday, 31st December 2013 - 10:29am