KEY WEST - Three couples said they were turned away from a hotel catering to gay tourists because they are heterosexual.
The couples' eviction violated a Key West city ordinance prohibiting discrimination by sexual orientation in housing and lodging. Violators can be fined as much as $500.
The six were vacationing with a gay couple and had reservations at Big Ruby's in downtown Key West when the three straight couples were turned away.
"The manager literally said, "We don't want you here,"' said Jim Pirih, who had vacationed at Big Ruby's last year with his partner, Jason Williams.
The group already were settled in their rooms Wednesday when the manager told the straight couples they would have to leave, citing a policy of not allowing heterosexuals on the property, Pirih said.
The six were allowed to stay one night, but had to check out Thursday morning and were told they wouldn't be compensated for the inconvenience, Pirih said.
Big Ruby's did not return a phone message Friday.
Scott Fraser, executive director of the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Key West, called the hotel's action discriminatory and wrong.
"Whether it's a couple turned away from a place of business because they're gay, or a straight couple refused admittance because it's a gay facility, socially and legally that's discrimination and equally as unacceptable," Fraser said Friday.
Members of the Key West Business Guild, which is dedicated to supporting the gay and lesbian market, have showered the group with gifts including a bottle of champagne, dinners at several Key West restaurants and sunset sailing excursions.
The couples were kicked out of the hotel the same day six same-sex couples sued in Key West in an attempt to overturn state laws banning gay marriage.
