Illinois Panel Backs Gay Couple In Discrimination Complaint

CHICAGO (AP) -- A same-sex couple denied access to a central Illinois bed and breakfast while planning their civil union ceremony has won another legal victory in a five-year case.

Owners of the Timber Creek Bed & Breakfast in Paxton contend they don't believe in same-sex unions and refused to host the ceremony in 2011, the year Illinois legalized same-sex civil unions.

However, an administrative judge ruled last year that the owners violated the state's Human Rights Act because the couple was denied a venue based on sexual orientation. This month the Illinois Human Rights Commission sided with the judge. The case has highlighted the conflict between religious freedoms and gay civil rights.

Jason Craddock, an attorney for facility's owners, said Tuesday that he plans to fight the case.

Illinois allowed same-sex marriages in 2014.