"The Ocean Grove controversy is yet another example of how pleas for ‘tolerance’ too often morph into new and insidious forms of intolerance." --Mark Tooley, Executive Director UMAction

Contact: Loralei Coyle 202-682-4131, 202-905-6852 cell; with the Institute on Religion and Democracy

WASHINGTON, June 29 /Christian Newswire/ -- A lesbian couple has filed a civil rights complaint against Ocean Grove Camp Ground Association in New Jersey for declining to host a same-sex ceremony. New Jersey law prohibits discrimination in public accommodations based on sexual orientation. The privately-owned camp ground, which is operated by United Methodists, points to The United Methodist Church's official disapproval of same-sex unions.

New Jersey officials and newspapers have denounced the Ocean Grove Camp Ground Association for not allowing a same-sex ceremony at a boardwalk pavilion primarily used for worship oriented events. The camp ground was founded by Methodists in the 19th century as a place for spiritual revival.

IRD Director of UMAction Mark Tooley responded,

"United Methodist Church leaders everywhere should stand up for Ocean Grove's religious and civil liberties when it attempts to operate in accord with United Methodist beliefs. Currently, United Methodists churches are prohibited by church law from celebrating same-sex unions. How much longer before the intrusive arm of government attempts to override church policies in the name of 'tolerance'?

"The Ocean Grove controversy is yet another example of how pleas for 'tolerance' too often morph into new and insidious forms of intolerance.

"Not just United Methodists but all persons concerned about religious and civil liberty should speak out in defense of the Ocean Grove Camp Ground Association."

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