The president of the says his organization feels discriminated against because the Star of the Sea Roman Catholic Parish will not rent its community centre to the society for an upcoming Pride event.

Ernie Klassen told Peace Arch News Monday that he was initially told by Star of the Sea that the community centre was available for the date the society wanted, and he put in an application.

However, the Star of the Sea Catholic Church, Klassen said, turned down the application.

91裸聊视频淭hey are not in favour of gay marriage and they believe that it91裸聊视频檚 a chosen lifestyle and they are opposed to anything to do with the gay community. It91裸聊视频檚 against their beliefs,91裸聊视频� Klassen said.

When contacted for comment Monday, the Star of the Sea requested that PAN contact a spokesperson at the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vancouver.

91裸聊视频淲e91裸聊视频檝e just decided against responding publicly to the White Rock Pride Society91裸聊视频檚 complaint,91裸聊视频� Archdiocese of Vancouver director of strategic communications Paul Schratz wrote to PAN Monday.

However, Archbishop delegate James Borkowski emailed a statement to PAN Wednesday.

91裸聊视频淭he parish reviews all applications for events to ensure that the proposed use of the parish center would not be contrary to the teachings on faith and morals of the Catholic Church. We regret that this will inevitably disappoint some people and we strive to give answers in as timely a fashion as possible,91裸聊视频� the statement read.

Klassen said that when the Pride Society asked to speak further about the issue with the Catholic church, they were told to speak to the church91裸聊视频檚 lawyer.

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The White Rock Pride Society hosted a dinner and dance fundraiser for PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) at Elk91裸聊视频檚 Hall last year. The venue has a capacity of 120 people.

Klassen said that he expects the society could double the attendance with a bigger venue, which is why they contacted Star of the Sea.

91裸聊视频淚 guess our biggest issue is that they call it the Star of the Sea Community Centre and they rent it out to the public. There91裸聊视频檚 something there almost every week that has nothing to do with the church.

91裸聊视频淚f you want to call yourself a community centre, and get the property tax relief from the city, then I91裸聊视频檓 now, as a White Rock citizen, subsidizing their taxes and I91裸聊视频檓 not allowed to use their facility,91裸聊视频� Klassen said.

91裸聊视频淭here91裸聊视频檚 the dilemma. If you want to hold it strictly for the catholic church purposes, then promote it as such.91裸聊视频�

aaron.hinks@peacearchnews.com
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