Mad Moderate

Religious Discrimination in Eastham

Church-going landlords can be bigots too

Chris and Mark are fourth-generation Cape Codders looking for a rental home to share. Chris is a 30-year-old web designer. Mark is a 34-year-old carpenter. They’re brothers. Both men are responsible and have great references.

Any landlord renting to them would benefit from their habit of leaving a property in better shape than when they arrived.

This week, after a month of searching, Chris and Mark found a perfect place in Eastham. The rental agent said their references were the best she’d ever seen. But, after consulting the homeowner, they were rejected as prospective tenants.

Why?  Chris and Mark are both single parents with shared child custody arrangements. When the homeowner learned about their circumstances, she condemned them as “godless.”  

Mark has two young sons. Chris has twins, a boy and girl. On weekends they both have their kids. These children were born into marriages that weren’t meant to be. Their fathers love them and are actively involved in their lives.

Where is it written that brothers spending time with their children on weekends is “godless”?  There are no religious or social laws being broken here.  This landlord’s behavior defies common sense, basic decency and universal family values.

Discrimination against religious groups makes news regularly. Outrage is heard when fundamentalist groups protest against gays and lesbians. Chris and Mark don’t belong to any interest groups. No lobbyists will argue on their behalf. They’re just two honest hardworking people trying to raise their families on Cape Cod.

No one should discriminate against that.

Chris and Mark are still looking for a place to live. 

If you know of a place please send an email to Chris@MoreBeach.com.

You’ll receive many thanks.