Legal Question in Discrimination Law in Maryland

Discriminated Against at the Cozy Cottage in Thurmont Maryland

I recently stayed at the Cozy Cottage in Thurmont Maryland due to the fact that my neighbors Libby and Jeff Stifler were holding their wedding reception there. While I was there I learned there is a weekend every October where the whole town has a festival. Libby and Jeff booked a room for that weekend and my fiance and I along with my aunt and uncle decided to book rooms for that weekend as well. We were told they wouldn't book anyone a room for that weekend until April 1st. I explained that Libby and Jeff had booked a room and asked why they were allowed and we were not. The manager called me back the next day and left a voice mail on my phone which I still have. She was very rude and said she makes exceptions for people sometimes and that she decided to make an exception for Libby and Jeff and she will rent to whomever she wants to. Can we sue for discrimination?


Asked on 3/14/06, 11:06 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Jeffrey Sheldon

Re: Discriminated Against at the Cozy Cottage in Thurmont Maryland

No. Or, more accurately, you can sue but you won't win. There is nothing unlawfully discriminatory about this. It appears that the hotel owners made an exception for current customers who are also newlyweds. They should be applauded for doing something nice, not made the subject of your ire. To put a fine point on it, the law protects against discrimination based on race, age, sex, etc., but not against every situation where someone is treated differently than someone else. If that was the case, we would all be in court all the time. (I also guess that if the owner was actually rude, she was responding to your treatment of her staff. In any case, rudeness is not illegal.)

I recommend concentrating on the happiness of your own upcoming wedding and not on potential lawsuits. I'm certain you'll be better off.

Read more
Answered on 3/14/06, 11:15 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Other Discrimination Law (Age, Race, Sex, Gender) questions and answers in Maryland