Tuesday the Kentucky Equality Federation condemned The Pavilion, a public pool and recreation center in Hazard Kentucky, for discriminating against a disabled gay couple. Pavilion authorities removed the couple from the public pool because of their sexual orientation, claiming the removal was justified by the Bible.
According to reports, when the two developmentally and intellectually disabled young men entered the pool, they were ridiculed and told that “we own this place and can tell you to leave if we want to” by the staff at The Pavilion, a public pool funded by tax dollars. When pressed for a reason for the ejection, the two were told that the Bible justified banning gays from sharing public pools.
Shirley Maggard, Executive Director of Mending Hearts Inc., of which the two men are clients, released the following statement:
"My staff asked the Pavilion staff why they were being asked to leave, and they were informed that 'gay people' weren't allowed to swim there. My staff told this man that what he was trying to do was discrimination. The man stated that what he was doing was in the Bible and he could do it. My staff continued to argue with this man but was ultimately forced to leave. My clients, who already feel ridiculed and different, left the city-owned facility crying and embarrassed for trying to participate in 'normal' activities that everyday 'normal' people do."
The story is enough to make one's blood boil. The discrimination, the religious homophobia, the bullying of the intellectually and developmentally disabled, are all despicable.
What an atrocious display of hatred and ignorance. Seriously. Who in their right mind would push anyone to the brink of tears just because they're gay and they want to be like everyone else?
Hazard is one of the worst places in the world for discrimination.I'm an LGBT person. I also work in the field of disability services/support. This is one of the most disgusting things I have ever heard. Maybe those individuals should lose their jobs. Or be charged.
anyone know if this sweet couple has email or another avenue of communication? may not be a possibility but hundreds of my fellow Tumblrs from around the world would like to send a short email or a note of encouragement to let them know they are not alone. cannot imagine how they are feeling - as if their life journey has been a walk in the park up until now. unbelievable that folks can be so cold.
This story made me so angry and sad at the same time. The bible-man should have been fired the same instant. My heart is with the two men.
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