Key West, Fla. — Three heterosexual couples said they were kicked out of a hotel in Key West because of their sexual orientation.
The six were vacationing with a homosexual couple and had reservations at a hotel called Big Ruby's when the three heterosexual couples were kicked out.
“The manager literally said: ‘We don't want you here,”' Jim Pirih, who was vacationing with his partner and heterosexual friends, said.
The group was already settled in their rooms Wednesday when the manager told them they would have to leave, citing a policy of not allowing heterosexuals on the property, Mr. Pirih said.
“He said he had to appeal to the majority and the majority of guests wouldn't want straight people there,” Mr. Pirih said. They were allowed to stay one night but had to check out the next morning.
Big Ruby's did not immediately return a phone message Friday.
Key West has a city ordinance that prohibits discrimination by sexual orientation in housing and lodging.
Scott Fraser, executive director of the Gay & Lesbian Community Center of Key West, said any discrimination based on sexual orientation is wrong.
“Whether it's a couple turned away from a place of business because they're gay, or a straight couple refused admittance because it's a gay facility, socially and legally that's discrimination and equally as unacceptable,” he said Friday.
