An Illinois B&B owner already under
investigation for refusing to allow a civil union ceremony has vowed
to refuse gay couples planning to marry.
“As long as I own TimberCreek, there
will never be a gay marriage at this wedding venue,” Jim Walder told
The
News-Gazette.
Illinois currently recognizes gay
couples with civil unions. However, a gay marriage bill signed into
law by Governor Pat Quinn in November takes effect on June 1.
Walder is currently under investigation
by the Human Rights Commission for refusing a gay couple planning a
civil union in 2011.
“Overall our business is up
substantially” since the complaint was filed, Walder said.
Walder states on his business' website
that as Christians “we should absolutely love individuals ensnared
in homosexuality, but we should not and cannot condone any part of it
because the Bible condemns it” and claims that being gay is a
“behavioral choice.”
“This lifestyle can be adopted and
abandoned.”
“Consequently, we cannot host civil
unions or gay marriages at TimberCreek Bed & Breakfast. It is
not an issue of fairness or equality, but an issue of right and
wrong. We cannot be part of what God condemns. Be assured that we
are not lawless, hateful, judgmental, bigoted or activists by any
definition,” the
site states.