FORT COLLINS, Colo.—A Fort Collins homeless shelter was accused of discrimination for allegedly kicking out a man because of his sexual orientation.
John Garon, 34, said he had stayed at the Open Door Mission for about three weeks until the shelter director, Rev. Richard Thebo, told him he was no longer welcome.
The reason, Garon said, was that Thebo told him “I don’t allow homosexuals to use these facilities.” Garon said he was stunned to be thrown out for being gay—something he can’t change.
Thebo, however, accused Garon of “hitting on” another man at the shelter, and of flaunting his sexuality, claims which Garon adamantly denied.
Thebo acknowledged that he does prohibit gays and lesbians from sleeping at the shelter.
“I will not let them exert their sexuality here,” Thebo told The Coloradoan. “Men have to sleep next to other men (in the shelter).”
Thebo said the Open Door Mission does not receive any state or federal funding, exempting him from federal and state anti-discrimination laws.
Thebo said he can refuse service to anyone.
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Information from: Fort Collins Coloradoan,
