Legal News
Lesbian Honeymooners Claim Thomson Holidays “Refused To Acknowledge” Civil Partnership (22 September 2011)
Date: 22/09/2011
Civil partners Tamsin Harper and Gemma Sharman claim that their luxury Caribbean honeymoon was subjected to “homophobic” discrimination. The West Yorkshire pair paid £1,800 for their all-inclusive holiday in the Dominican Republic. The pair claimed that other honeymooning couples received “three or four complimentary, romantic candlelit meals with wine” but they failed to receive such a service. The couple stated that, as honeymooners, they were supposed to receive complimentary fruit and rum in their room. However, their honeymoon treats failed to materialise. When the couple asked for a meal to be arranged for them, staff failed to do so and on complaining, the couple claim that the staff were “dismissive”. They added that Thomson employees had “refused to acknowledge” their civil partnership and were prejudiced against them. The pair said that they will pursue legal action against the popular holiday firm.
A Thomson spokesperson affirmed that the company had failed to provide the couple with the required standard of customer service on their holiday and had offered the pair compensation for the problems they encountered. However, he maintains that the problems they encountered were the result of a breakdown in communication and were not related to their sexuality. He claimed that “thousands” of homosexual customers holiday with the firm each year and homosexual staff members were employed across the company. The spokesperson described the firm as a “totally diverse business”.
Duncan Lewis’ Litigation solicitors provide confidential advice with effective representation on all aspects of discrimination law. The team is both professional and efficient and possesses a wealth of experience in dealing with discrimination law.