Amy and Sarah Monson of Rochester have filed suit against the Rochester Athletic Club on grounds of discrimination for allegedly refusing to sell the couple a family membership discount because the Monsons are not married. Minnesota law forbids same-sex couples from obtaining a marriage license. 

According to the complaint filed in January, the Monsons have been together for five years and are rearing a daughter. They own a business together, have joint finances, and they had a commitment ceremony in 2002. They have drafted estate plans for themselves and their daughter, and Sarah changed her last name to Monson.

After four attempts to resolve the matter with the Rochester Athletic Club, the Monsons filed suit, alleging a violation of the Minnesota Human Rights Act. The 1993 law prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. 

According to a press release from Outfront Minnesota, which is representing the Monsons along with the law firm Halunen & Associates, the lawsuit would not affect state laws preventing same-sex couples from marrying. “This case would not affect state law forbidding same-sex couples from marrying. However, a favorable ruling would benefit same-sex families by declaring that private businesses cannot arbitrarily deny them opportunities based only on the lack of a marriage license,” said Joni Thome of Halunen & Associates.

The suit, filed in Olmstead County, can be read here [PDF].