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06/03/2015
Company Refuses To Print Gay Couple's Wedding Invites
An Irish firm has refused to print wedding invitations for a man's upcoming civil ceremony because he is gay.
The company, Beulah Print and Design, said it made the decision because of its Christian beliefs. It is understood the man, named in the media as Jonathon Brennan, is a former customer of the Drogheda-based firm.
The 29-year-old businessman is due to enter a civil partnership with his boyfriend of eight years, John Kierans, in August of this year.
Speaking to the Irish Independent, Mr Brennan said his order was initially accepted, but one of the company's co-owners visited his salon earlier this week to say they could not print the invitations.
However, the printing company has said its staff are "Bible-believing Christians", and did not support same-sex marriage.
In a statement, Beulah Print and Design said: "We, at Beulah Print, are Bible-believing Christians who are committed to standing by our conscience and God's Word.
"We have been in business for 12 years during which time we have held to our convictions and have at times declined a variety of work which we felt was clearly contrary to our beliefs.
"We have never hidden our faith from our customers and represent the gospel at every opportunity. We are not against homosexuals however, we do not support same sex marriage, which printing wedding invitations would do.
"We believe the love of God is extended to all people and that He has called us all to walk in the light of His word, for He is the way, the truth and the life."
In an interview with the BBC, Mike O'Leary, another co-founder of the company, said they had previously refused orders on the ground of their religious beliefs. They have also declined orders to print materials that promote Halloween, binge drinking and "borderline pornography".
(JP/CD)
The company, Beulah Print and Design, said it made the decision because of its Christian beliefs. It is understood the man, named in the media as Jonathon Brennan, is a former customer of the Drogheda-based firm.
The 29-year-old businessman is due to enter a civil partnership with his boyfriend of eight years, John Kierans, in August of this year.
Speaking to the Irish Independent, Mr Brennan said his order was initially accepted, but one of the company's co-owners visited his salon earlier this week to say they could not print the invitations.
However, the printing company has said its staff are "Bible-believing Christians", and did not support same-sex marriage.
In a statement, Beulah Print and Design said: "We, at Beulah Print, are Bible-believing Christians who are committed to standing by our conscience and God's Word.
"We have been in business for 12 years during which time we have held to our convictions and have at times declined a variety of work which we felt was clearly contrary to our beliefs.
"We have never hidden our faith from our customers and represent the gospel at every opportunity. We are not against homosexuals however, we do not support same sex marriage, which printing wedding invitations would do.
"We believe the love of God is extended to all people and that He has called us all to walk in the light of His word, for He is the way, the truth and the life."
In an interview with the BBC, Mike O'Leary, another co-founder of the company, said they had previously refused orders on the ground of their religious beliefs. They have also declined orders to print materials that promote Halloween, binge drinking and "borderline pornography".
(JP/CD)
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Ireland WeatherToday:Dry this morning with any mist and fog patches clearing. This afternoon will be cloudy with rain, occasionally heavy, spreading across all areas. Windy with afternoon with fresh to strong southerly winds, gales along the east coast later. Maximum temperature 10 °C.Tonight:Cloud and rain soon clearing away from the west this evening. Then the rest of the night will be mainly dry with just the odd shower. Winds easing down. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
