After a federal appeals court overturned the prohibition of same-sex marriage in Nevada earlier this month, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVC&VA) has been actively promoting the city as one of the top destinations for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender visitors. At the time of the ruling the LVC&VA said, “This is a historic day for Las Vegas and the great state of Nevada. As the “Wedding Capital of the World” and one of the top destinations for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender visitors, Las Vegas welcomes LGBT couples wishing to legally recognize their relationship. There is simply no better destination to host a fabulous wedding followed by a one-of-a-kind honeymoon.”
The LVC&VA actively promoted the destination to the LGBT market with a special TV ad, a full-page USA Today ad, Facebook competitions and a Web site devoted to gay travel.
Now the Washington Post has reported that some of Las Vegas’ dozens of wedding chapels have been turning gay couples away.
“My faith won’t allow it,” Dolly Deleon told 8 News Now. Deleon said she is a born-again believer in Jesus in addition to owning the Vegas Wed Chapel, a 24-hour, one-stop wedding shop a block from the hard-partying Vegas strip.
The Elvis Wedding Chapel, which offers “Blue Hawaii” and “Elvis in Concert” as themes for couples looking to formalize their commitment, also refuses to serve same-sex couples. A man identified only as David would not explain the policy to 8 News Now. “There is no story here,” he said as he refused to open the door to the TV station and their cameras.
According to the American Civil Liberties Union, for-profit wedding chapels that turn away gay couples could be charged with a misdemeanor. The organization said exceptions to the law only apply to religious institutions.
