Printer ‘facing action’ after refusing to make civil partnership invitations

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A printer in the Republic of Ireland says it is under investigation – after it refused to print civil partnership invitations for a same-sex couple.

Partners Jonathon Brennan and John Kierans were reportedly turned away when they asked for invitation for their upcoming civil partnership ceremony to be printed at Beulah Print, Drogheda.

Despite the fact that civil partnerships are entirely separate from marriage, the printer said it refused the order because it doesn’t support same-sex marriage, which Ireland is voting on today.

The bakery told the Irish Times: “We are not against homosexuals however, we do not support same sex marriage, which printing wedding invitations would do.”

Mike O’Leary of Beulah Print added: “We can confirm that a complaint has been received which is now in the hands of the equality tribunal.

“The tribunal normally invite both parties to mediation in an effort to resolve the complaint so we expect this to take place shortly.”

Mr Brennan and Mr Kierans declined to comment – but reportedly plan to marry in August.

The case comes days after a bakery in Northern Ireland was found guilty of discriminating by refusing to make a ‘Support Gay Marriage’ cake.

Ashers Baking Company – based in Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland – refused the request of gay rights activist Gareth Lee for a cake showing the message ‘Support Gay Marriage’ above an image of Sesame Street’s Bert and Ernie.

The bakery rejected attempts to settle and vowed to “make a stand” – but District Judge Isobel Brownlie said: “This is direct discrimination for which there is no justification”.

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