Annapolis trolley operator drops wedding parties

(Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

Matt Grubbs, owner of the Discover Annapolis Tours, announced in December his intention to cease shuttling wedding parties and guests from churches to receptions because of his opposition to same-sex marriage.

His decision not to do business with same-sex couples is based on his religious beliefs. Since such discrimination would be illegal due to Maryland’s antidiscrimination statute that includes sexual orientation, he has decided forego the weddings part of the business altogether. As a result, he stands to lose some $50,000 a year in revenue.

“The law exempts my minister from doing same-sex weddings and the Knights of Columbus don’t have to rent out their hall for a gay wedding reception, but somehow my religious convictions don’t count for anything,” Grubbs wrote in an email to the Patch. “We’re a Christian-owned company and we just can’t support gay marriages. We’re not trying to make a statement. We’re not trying to make a point. We’re just trying to be faithful Christians.”

Grubbs intends to request the General Assembly for an exemption so that he can refuse his services to same-sex couples on religious grounds.