Guesthouse caught refusing gay couples

A guesthouse on the NSW south coast is refusing to accept bookings from same-sex couples, a Southern Star Observer investigation has found.

On holiday accommodation website TakeABreak.com.au, The Coach House at Tomerong advertised itself as an “adult retreat”, perfect for a “romantic getaway”.

“Wine and dine in front of your own traditional wood fire or experience the benefits of our onsite sauna for two,” read the listing, “Our comfortable bedding and sun soaked living areas prove to be a relaxing environment to snuggle away in.”

But the listing also stated the guesthouse was “not gay friendly”.

Southern Star Observer called The Coach House and spoke to a woman who confirmed she would not accept bookings from same-sex couples. The woman hung up after claiming it was the gay community, not her, who was discriminatory.

Rod Stringer, managing director of Gay And Lesbian Tourism Australia (GALTA), said he was shocked that a business was still discriminating when being gay friendly was widely seen as a commercial advantage in the Australian tourism industry.

“GALTA represents hundreds of members throughout Australia including state and regional tourism authorities. We have worked for nearly 20 years to educate the tourism and accommodation industry on all aspects of non-discrimination,” said Stringer.

”We are amazed that in this day and age business owners are not aware of the Anti-Discrimination Act.”
Southern Star Observer brought The Guest House’s listing to the attention of Justin Butterworth, joint CEO of TakeABreak’s parent company, Occupancy.com.

Butterworth explained that advertisers on TakeABreak wrote their own listings, but that advertising a property as “not-gay friendly” was in breach of their rules.

“TakeABreak does not tolerate discriminatory practices and all properties are required to operate in compliance with local, state and commonwealth legislation as part of the listing terms and conditions,” said Butterworth.

“TakeABreak prides itself on offering a diverse inclusive service for all travellers and we have over 3600 properties Australia-wide that actively promote themselves as ‘gay friendly’.”

TakeABreak has now permanently removed The Coach House’s listing.