Nigel Powell grapples with the potential conflict of religious & equality rights
In September 2008, Steven Preddy and Martyn Hall planned a short break in Penzance at the Chymorvah Hotel. After searching the internet for dog-friendly hotels in Cornwall they chose the Chymorvah and telephoned to make a booking.
Although their dog was welcome at the hotel, little did they know that they would not be and that they would go on to create legal history.
On arrival at the hotel, they were informed that they could not have a double room as these were only for married couples. Upon telling the receptionist that they were legal civil partners, Mr Preddy and Mr Hall were further informed that the hotel’s policy was to let double rooms to heterosexual married couples only.
The couple sought advice from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) and subsequently issued a claim in Bristol County Court for direct and indirect discrimination under the Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2007 (SI 2007/1263). These Regulations, implemented in April 2007 under powers contained in the Equality Act 2006 (EA 2006),
