A Mississippi wedding venue apologized after one of their employees denied an interracial couple’s request to use the hall for their wedding, citing her “Christian beliefs.”
In a Facebook video posted by LaKambria Welch, an unidentified woman working at Boone’s Camp Event Hall can be heard saying, “we don’t do gay weddings or mixed-raced [weddings] because of our Christian race, I mean our Christian belief.”
The woman said she did not want to get into a debate on the subject, just that they do not “participate.”
Mississippi passed a House Bill 1523 in 2016, which allows businesses to deny services based on their religious views, according to the Mississippi Clarion Ledger. The bill does not allow the ability to deny services based on race.
Before deleting their Facebook page, Boone’s Camp Event Hall posted an apology, saying they found out the woman’s view on interracial relationships was unfounded because the Bible does not, in fact, forbid them.
“I was unable to recall instances where the Bible was used giving a verse that would support my decision,” the post said, adding she sat down with her pastor on the subject. “I have come to the conclusion my decision which was based on what I had thought was correct to be supported by The Bible was incorrect!”
“To all those offended, hurt or felt condemn by my statement I truly apologize to you for my ignorance in not knowing the truth about this,” the post continued.
