Harry Coulter

A Belfast hotel has formally apologised to a church minister for forcing him to abandon a public meeting in support of traditional marriage.

Revd Harry Coulter from Carrickfergus Reformed Presbyterian Church, issued legal proceedings against the owners of the Balmoral Hotel in Dunmurry for unlawful discrimination and breach of contract after the venue forced 50 people attending a pro-marriage meeting to halt their event. The meeting took place in October 2019. Hotel staff claimed patrons – who were no longer even on the premises – were offended by the presence of the meeting.

Revd Coulter said he had been “humiliated” by the hotel’s treatment of him and his guests. But he now says he “wholeheartedly accepts” a formal written apology from the hotel in settlement of his legal action. The hotel has also agreed to refund the £100 cost of the booking, and pay legal costs.

The legal action was backed by our Legal Defence Fund.