A gay couple who inquired about a house they wanted to buy were banned by the owners from even viewing it as they said homosexuality is “contrary to the word of God”.
Luke Whitehouse and Lachlan Mantell were sent a message from the sellers, who are Christians, citing Bible passages that are used to condemn same-sex relationships.
Luke and Lachlan, who have been together for eight years, planned to view the house in Coulsdon, Surrey last Saturday.
But on the Wednesday before they got a message back from the sellers via Purplebricks, MailOnline reports.
It read: "Dear Lachlan and Luke, thank you for sharing your circumstances with us.
"We're sorry if we seem intrusive, but we just want to make clear that we would be unwilling for two men in a partnership to view or buy our house.
Have you had a similar experience? Email webnews@mirror.co.uk
"As it is contrary to the gracious teaching in God's Word, the Holy Bible, e.g Romans 1:24-28 and Jude 7 (King James Version). With regards."
Speaking about his reaction, Luke said: “For the first 10 seconds I laughed – I thought it was a joke. But then I was upset and I had a cry on the phone to my mum. Homophobia still exists.”
Business owner Luke, 34, and ITV producer Lachlan, 37, said it was their first attempt to view a house as they look to get on the property ladder.
Luke and Lachlan - originally from Adelaide, Australia - are desperate to get their own place after being kept apart during the pandemic,
He said: "We were separated during Covid, he was in America while I was here, we were forced apart.
"Buying a house was something that we wanted to do for a long time.
"But this was the only house we planned for a viewing.
"We were looking forward to going this weekend."
He added: "Since I came out eight years ago I have not come across discirimation.
"I probably have been discriminated against but was just not aware of it."
Luke, of Putney, south west London said they wouldn't buy or even view the house even if the owners apologised and changed their mind.
He added: "We will look for something else now
"We are not going to let it affect us trying to buy a house."
Married couple Luke Main, 33, a builder, and medical physicist Dr Joanna Brunker, 34, own the £650,000, three-bed home in Coulsdon, South London.
Dr Brunker reportedly hit back at the criticism by saying: “We’re practising Christians and are sticking to our beliefs and haven’t done anything wrong.”
Luke reported it to the online estate agents who were selling it via Rightmove.
They are set to stop selling the property saying the comments from the owners are against its "views and values."
A Purplebricks spokesperson told them: "Thanks for sharing this message Lachlan and we're so sorry you've had this experience.
"This stance is completely opposed to our views and values.
"We'll refund this seller's fee as Purplebricks no longer wish to list it."
A Purplebricks spokesperson added: "The sentiments expressed in this message are completely opposed to Purplebricks' views and values.
"We have contacted the seller to return their fee and request that they sell their property with a different agent."
