The religious group that denied same-sex couples? requests to hold a civil union at the Ocean Grove Pavilion has been punished by the state.

The Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association church group owns the pavilion on the boardwalk. Some couples were forced to marry on the pier because the group wouldn?t allow the civil union ceremony at the pavilion.

The state says since the pavilion lies on the boardwalk, it is considered a public place, even though the church group owns the land. Under state law, allowing civil unions in a public place is a requirement for tax exemption status. The state ruled the church group will lose part of its tax exemption for now allowing civil unions.

The gay rights group, Garden State Equality, feels the state should do more to punish the church group. Garden State Equality lawyers are now looking into ways to appeal the state?s decision and seek a court ruling to remove the entire exemption.

Related Information:Same-sex couple files civil rights complaint with NJ Same-sex couples fight for civil unions at pavilion Popular wedding spot bans same-sex unions