A gay couple from East Central Illinois claims they were discriminated against when they inquired about reserving a space for their civil union celebration.
Todd Wathen and his partner from Mattoon filed complaints against two bed and breakfasts for not allowing them to rent space for a ceremony and reception, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
The couple tells the Sun-Times they contacted the Beall Mansion in Alton and the TimberCreek B&B in Paxton near Kankakee days after Governor Pat Quinn signed legislation allowing civil unions.
When the couple inquired about reserving the space, it appears one of the owners told them they only hosted "traditional weddings," and a rep from the other space e-mailed them Bible verses saying their union was wrong.
The complaints alleging violations of the human rights act were filed with the Illinois Attorney General's office and the Department of Human Rights.
