In a video clip that went viral, A US interracial couple was turned away by a wedding venue because the owner said their union went against her Christian beliefs.
The footage was filmed at Boone’s Camp Event Hall in Booneville, Mississippi, by the groom’s sister who met the woman about the rejection.
During the exchange the owner says the decision was because we “don’t do gay weddings or mixed race”.
The Facebook page for Boone’s Camp Event Hall was taken offline following the video’s release, but later re-opened on Sunday to post a lengthy apology before being closed again.
In the post the owner said she had been taught as a child that people were meant to stay “with your own race” but that after consulting with her pastor she now realised nothing in the bible prohibited interracial marriages.
She continued: “To all of those offended, hurt or felt condemn [sic] by my statement I truly apologise to you for my ignorance in not knowing the truth about this. My intent was never of racism, but to stand firm on what I ‘assumed’ was right concerning marriage.”
In a statement provided to BBC News, the Boone’s Camp Event Hall said “they are grateful that the bride forgave them” and that the couple has been re-invited to use the event space.
In 2016, Mississippi passed a first of its kind law that protects “sincerely held religious beliefs or moral convictions”, meaning businesses can legally refuse service to same-sex partners and transgender people.
