Worcester diocese asks court to dismiss discrimination complaint brought by gay couple

June 06, 2014

The Diocese of Worcester, Massachusetts has asked a court to dismiss the lawsuit filed by a homosexual couple who claim that they suffered illegal discrimination when they were unable to buy an estate owned by the diocese.

A lawyer for the Worcester diocese told the court that the prospective buyers had never demonstrated that they were qualified buyers, and had failed to secure financing for their purchase.

The lawsuit against the Worcester diocese was filed after the would-be buyers obtained a memo in which a diocesan official expressed fears that if the homosexual couple bought the property, the site might be used for same-sex wedding celebrations. Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley has filed an amicus brief in support of the plaintiffs.

 

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Further information:

• Worcester Diocese asks judge to dismiss gay couple's suit over Northbridge real estate deal (Worcester Telegram)
• Massachusetts attorney general backs discrimination lawsuit against Catholic diocese (CWN, 3/14)