Josh Rimer (Who happens to be Mr. Gay Canada) and his fiancé Heath wanted to have their wedding at the Sheraton Buganvilias Resort & Convention Center in the usually LGBT friendly city of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico but after inquiring about a booking the hotel told them that it won’t host a “equal” same-sex wedding.

“This is probably the most homophobic experience I’ve ever encountered personally in my entire life” Rimer said. “It’s not like I’m trying to book a wedding in Uganda! This is Puerto Vallarta! It should not be an issue.”

According to Rimer the manager at the hotel told him “we don’t specialize in same-sex weddings” and suggested other hotels that do.

Rimer later received an email from the manager that read, in part: “I am infinitely grateful that you have thought of Sheraton for your big day., however, our hotel and our staff is not specialized to carry out an equal wedding and we would not like to take your wedding as a trial and error as our service could be poor compared to what characterized Sheraton, because we know and we are aware that is your special day for you and your fiancé, and do not want that by our non-specialized service some conflict can be generated on your big day.”

The Marriott Corporation which owns Sheraton said they were looking into the matter.

We are troubled and greatly concerned about the experience reported by Mr. Rimer.  Marriott has long been committed to providing an environment where all are welcome including our LGBTQ guests and their loved ones. We have contacted Mr. Rimer and expressed our sincerest apologies for his experience.  In addition, we are looking further into the matter to better understand what happened and do what we can to prevent hurtful experiences like this from happening again.” – Jeff Flaherty, Marriott spokesperson with Global Communications & Public Affairs

Nothing short of the firing of the Sheraton manager, a public apology, and a the resort hosting the same-sex wedding for free will come close to making up for the insult, humiliation and degradation the couple has been put through.

You all know what to do.

Sheraton Buganvilias – Address: Blvd Francisco Medina Ascencio No 999 Zona Hotelera Las Glorias, Zona Hotelera, Nte, 48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico Phone: +52 322 226 0404

*Parent organization: Marriott International – Customer service: 1 (800) 325-3535