Canadian gay couple name-and-shame photographer who refused to work their wedding
A gay couple from Montreal, Canada have named a photographer who allegedly refused to work at their wedding in November.
Mike Cerantola and his partner Victor Rivas told CTV News that they had been refused service by Premiere Productions in Montreal.
They said that they had been asked about whether there would need to be a photographer at the home of the groom and of the bride before the wedding.
“I sent [Victor] the quote, he agreed with it, so we were trying to set up a meeting,”
“I mentioned that there’s only going to be one house, since we already live with each other, and I said there is no bride: we’re two guys.”
Cerantola says he was shocked to hear from the photographer that he would not work the wedding due to his religion.
“I regret that I cannot take this wedding because it is at odds with my personal religious beliefs.”
He adds: “I was with my friend and she was like, ‘Are we reading this right?’ So, obviously I was a little shocked to hear that, and this kind of thing had never happened to me before.”
Rivas wrote on Facebook: “ATTENTION this company has refused to photograph our wedding because we are a same sex couple! Furthermore they cited religious beliefs. In doing so they have broken the laws of our country and province. Adverse effect discrimination this is the law they broke. Am I offended yes but the point is that we have laws and if they don’t respect us that’s their problem, but they have to respect the LAW!! Share if you believe in equality for everyone!”
But dozens of photographers have since offered to work at the wedding of the couple.
Cerantola says he now has 29 photographers offering their services for their wedding in November.
He also says he hopes Premiere Productions will change its policy and stop discriminating against same-sex couples.
The Executive Director of the Center for Research-Action on Race Relations has said she thinks the couple should take legal action against the firm.
