More than 1,400 people have signed a petition for equality legislation after a lesbian couple were refused the tenancy of a private flat in Ramsey.
It was launched by Laura Cull and Kira Izzard last Thursday after they were informed the landlord’s decision was based on their sexual orientation.
Chief Minister Allan Bell strongly condemned the ‘ugly outdated prejudice’ of Ramsey Independent Methodist Church Minister Keith Price.
And he hopes to speed up the progress of an Equality Bill, based on the UK Equality Act 2010, currently in the drafting process.
Mr Price has insisted he isn’t homophobic and was acting according to his religion.
Laura, 29, and Kira, 26, live in Governor’s Hill, Douglas, and are due to enter into a civil partnership later this year.
Laura said: ‘I was really upset and teary as we had our hearts set on that particular house.’
Read the full story in the Manx Independent - in shops now.