A New York appeals court has ruled against the owners of a wedding venue fined $13,000 for violating the state's anti-discrimination law after refusing to host a lesbian wedding.
Robert and Cynthia Gifford of Liberty Ridge Farm north of Albany refused to host the 2013 wedding of Melisa and Jennie McCarthy, citing their religious beliefs.
The Appellate Division of state Supreme Court on Thursday said while the Giffords are free to express their religious beliefs, they must allow same-sex couples to marry on their premises if they allow opposite-sex couple to do so. The 5-0 ruling upholds a determination by the state's Division of Human Rights.
The Giffords were represented by an attorney for Alliance Defending Freedom, who said on the group's web site an appeal would be considered.
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