ROANOKE, Va—
A Roanoke couple says they were discriminated against because they are gay. Will Trinkle and his partner Juan Granados are suing the Roanoke Athletic Club (RAC) and Carilion Clinic. The RAC is owned by Carilion.
Trinkle says in May, 2012, he applied for a family membership at the RAC for him, his partner, and their two-year-old son.
Trinkle says a RAC employee encouraged him to sign up for a family membership.
Trinkle says he wasn't hiding the fact he is gay. He put his name and his partner's name on the application.
A few weeks later, Trinkle says RAC management called to say it was revoking the membership.
Trinkle alleges the RAC employee informed him Carilion's specific policy on this issue is to follow Virginia state law and that Mr. Trinkle's family is not considered a family by the state.
At a press conference, Trinkle told the news media, "We were not only told that they were sticking with their decision to kick us out, but that, because of us, they were tightening policies so no families like us would ever get as far as we had. It was, and continues to be, a punch to our gut."
Trinkle's attorney is John Fishwick Jr. "All families in our community should have access to the same economic opportunities. We look forward to pursuing this case against the RAC and Carilion Clinic and holding them accountable for their actions against this family," Fishwich told the news media.
Trinkle is suing Carilion for breach of contract and for violating the Virginia's Consumer Protection Act.
The lawsuit doesn't specify a dollar amount. The defendants say it would be determined at trial if their case is successful.
Carilion Clinic tells WDBJ 7 it hasn't received a copy of the lawsuit. It is Carilion's policy not to comment on pending litigation.
