Nang and Chris Mai, owners of Urloved Photography in the San Francisco area, have decided to stop photographing weddings.
Earlier this month, the Mais refused to take pictures of a gay marriage ceremony, which caused outrage in the gay community.
T.J. Kelsall claimed on Urloved Photography’s Facebook page that the company refused to shoot him and his partner, Thai Lam, notes ChristianNews.net.
“Great shots, but this company denied me and my fiance, a same-sex couple, from their services,” wrote Kelsall. “Stand up and say something about it.”
In response, Urloved Photography stated on its website:
"Thai and I consider this issue resolved and would urge you to stop posting on their FB page, Yelp, and any other social media site," added Kelsall. "We must respect that Nang and Chris have decide to shut down their business because of their beliefs. I wish the outcome could have been different, but it is what it is."
The Mais could have faced legal issues.
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, California’s Unruh Civil Rights Act says: “All persons are entitled to full and equal accommodations, advantages, facilities, privileges, or services in all business establishments, including both private and public entities.”
Sources: The Christian Post, San Francisco Chronicle, ChristianNews.net, Urloved Photography / Image Credit: Stefano Bolognini
Earlier this month, the Mais refused to take pictures of a gay marriage ceremony, which caused outrage in the gay community.
T.J. Kelsall claimed on Urloved Photography’s Facebook page that the company refused to shoot him and his partner, Thai Lam, notes ChristianNews.net.
“Great shots, but this company denied me and my fiance, a same-sex couple, from their services,” wrote Kelsall. “Stand up and say something about it.”
In response, Urloved Photography stated on its website:
We genuinely felt referring this couple to a photographer who does share their personal beliefs would provide them with the best service for their special day. We wanted to connect them with someone who did share their personal beliefs so that they could give them the service quality they deserve.The Christian Post reports that Kelsall followed up with a second posting on Urloved Photography's Facebook page: "They acknowledged that if this were pursued any further it wouldn’t fair well for Urloved Photography. They understand the law and told us they have decided that in light of their personal beliefs they will be shutting down their business."
Unfortunately, our artistic passion for excellence and personal beliefs were misinterpreted. That was never our intent. We have been flooded with hate calls, emails and accusations that inaccurately depict our business. On top of that we have come to a difficult decision that we will no longer be in the wedding photography business. We are grateful for this experience as it has caused us to think about how our personal beliefs intersect with our business practices.
"Thai and I consider this issue resolved and would urge you to stop posting on their FB page, Yelp, and any other social media site," added Kelsall. "We must respect that Nang and Chris have decide to shut down their business because of their beliefs. I wish the outcome could have been different, but it is what it is."
The Mais could have faced legal issues.
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, California’s Unruh Civil Rights Act says: “All persons are entitled to full and equal accommodations, advantages, facilities, privileges, or services in all business establishments, including both private and public entities.”
Sources: The Christian Post, San Francisco Chronicle, ChristianNews.net, Urloved Photography / Image Credit: Stefano Bolognini
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