Can A Private Business Refuse To Provide A Service To A Gay Person In New York?

In New York, can a private business refuse to provide a service to a gay person?

This question arises frequently in the wedding business where couples typically disclose who they’re marrying so a business knows or can guess their potential client is a member of the LGBT community.

Private businesses cannot refuse to provide services to gay people. If they refuse, they are acting illegally and committing discrimination based on marital status and sexual orientation.

According to the NYCLU, the Marriage Equality Act does not change this.

Any private business that provides a service or product to the public must treat gay clients equally. These private businesses also cannot refuse based on their own religious beliefs.

What can you do if a private business refused to provide a service to you based on your sexual orientation or marital status? You can consult with an attorney to learn more about your rights and if you have a strong case for a lawsuit based on illegal discrimination.

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