A wedding venue in Gloucestershire is "deeply sorry" after cancelling a same-sex couple's evening reception.
Tim Wiltshire, who co-owns Priors Court Barn in Brockworth with his wife Bridget, said an expression of interest was made for the evening of March 28 this year.
But the reception was cancelled after the venue learned the interested couple, Kevin Chaffe and Ken Silvey from Gloucester, are same-sex.
Mr Chaffe, 37, wrote about the exchange on Facebook and his post has since been shared more than 1,000 times, Gloucestershire Live reports.
The venue's own Facebook listing has since been bombarded with negative reviews and accusations of homophobia.
'Misunderstanding'
Mr Wiltshire initially said the cancellation was a "misunderstanding", but later issued a statement in response to the social media storm.
He said: "Following recent events I would like to clarify that we had a reservation for an evening wedding celebration following their wedding elsewhere.
"This was at short notice for the end of March this year made through an intermediary. There was no formal booking with our venue.
"I am deeply sorry for the upset that I have caused to the couple and all affected.
"Of course everyone has the right to their own beliefs and I now realise that my initial reaction was inappropriate in modern society and for which I am truly sorry.
"I would like to reassure everyone that the venue welcomes all couples."
'Disgusting'
On Saturday, Mr Chaffe shared his side of the story on Facebook, writing: "So our wedding reception venue cancelled on us today because were gay! [sic]
"He had multiple correspondence with both our names in it .....
"I think this is just disgusting that in a modern world where u can by law express the love for your partner irrelevant of the gender, we could get married in a church by law!!
"It has been a devastating blow to myself and Ken but with that being said our truly amazing friend and outstanding wedding planner Kerry Jones had us another venue within the hour.
"I can’t thank Kerry enough for the support she has provided us today even when faced with such horrific news. Kerry you're amazing and a truly wonderful human being.
"I’ve posted a picture of the venue that doesn’t agree with same sex marriage so by all means share this post far and wide, there’s not room in this world for this type of blatant discrimination And homophobia.
"Love is love."
His post has attracted more than 1,000 shares.
Wedding planner's phone call
The couple's wedding planner Kerry Jones' claims Mr Wiltshire told her: "We don’t agree with same-sex marriage, we’re Christian, it’s not part of our beliefs. This is going to cause us a problem.
"It’s just not something we permit here. I said I am sorry, we’re going to have to decline the offer of the venue to them."
She posted on her Facebook page Cotswold Chic today: "The outpouring of love and support for the couple has been so overwhelming that myself, Kevin & Ken would like to thank you all for your kind words at such an emotional time for them both.
"The situation has created lots of attention and has raised awareness of the fact that discrimination still exists in this day and age and we are thankful for that as there is no place for it in modern society."
"We are now going to be dealing with this situation privately in order to resolve the matter amicably however we shall continue to campaign against discrimination as a whole and not just against one company/individual."
'They don't realise the impact'
Mr Chaffe, of Robinswood, who works as a courier, said the situation was so troubling it made him question whether it was worth getting married.
He said: "I'm Catholic myself and there are many different passages in the Bible that are about forgiveness and love and things like that.
"So the only thing with the Christian belief is it's how you decipher the Bible. It's how it means to you.
"I do respect him in a fashion but it's not 100 per cent right, is it? By law you [same-sex couples] can get married in a Christian Church now.
"It's the 21st Century. People shouldn't be so judgemental on complete strangers. They don't realise the impact and the bearing they can have on our lives."
