Wedding hall refuses to host LGBTQ couple: 'We don't hold such events'
An event planner attempted to book a Rehovot wedding hall for a same-sex couple but was rejected. Recordings obtained by N12 feature a sales agent citing the owners' religious stance as the reason. The hall's management has denied the claims, stating they frequently host LGBTQ events.
An event planner claims that a hall in Rehovot refuses to host weddings for LGBTQ couples. In recordings obtained by N12, a sales agent for the Vigo hall is heard admitting in a conversation with the planner: 'Unfortunately, we do not accept "such" events here.'
The incident began when the planner tried to book a wedding for a couple of grooms. 'Is it a couple of men?', he was asked in a WhatsApp group. When the planner confirmed, he was told: 'It is not relevant for us from the community. Unfortunately, we do not do it here. Do not send us "leads" from the community.'
Later, the planner called the sales agent to understand the issue. 'The sweeping decision of the owners is not to accept such events,' she replied. 'The owners are all Haredim and they are not interested in holding such events, unfortunately. It is a bummer, but I wish it were different. I have plenty of friends from the community and it hurts me a lot - but this is not my decision.'
The hall denied the report, stating: 'We have never refused to marry an LGBTQ couple. We have already hosted events for the community, including not just weddings, but also brit milahs. Just in the last month, we held two events for LGBTQ couples.'
