Gays allegedly discriminated against at Pizza Hut in UK

London, Feb 9 (UNI) A group of gays and transsexuals were allegedly discriminated against at a Pizza Hut outlet in Blackpool, Britain.

When the group of nine, several wearing women's clothing, asked for a table, they claim they were told the restaurant had run out of pizzas.

Michael Kemp, who was wearing a miniskirt, said, ''A male member of staff approached us with a big smirk on his face and, when we asked for a table, he told us that the restaurant had run out of pizzas and told us to try somewhere else.'' He added, ''We couldn't believe it. Who's ever heard of a Pizza Hut running out of pizzas? It was clear they were embarrassed by us, especially because some of us were wearing women's clothing, and didn't want us in the restaurant.'' Kemp, Paul Barnabas, and his partner Iain Buck are claiming up to 3,000 pounds compensation from the worldwide chain, saying they were discriminated against because of their sexuality, the Daily Mail reported.

It is illegal in Britain for shops, bars or restaurants to refuse to serve anyone because of their sexuality.

Their claim, which is being funded by the Equality and Human Rights Commission, is said to be the first under the legislation.

Pizza Hut has denied any such discrimination and claimed the restaurant had been going through a period of bad management and had run out of food on previous occasions.

UNI XC SKB DS1038