Gay rights groups and same-sex couples lined up Labor Day to speak at a public hearing against an organization that is banning civil unions at a popular Ocean Grove boardwalk pavilion.

At least two same-sex couples, who wanted to be unionized, were turned down by the group that owns the pavilion, Ocean Grove Camp Meeting. Camp Meeting is a religious group affiliated with the Methodist Church. The group says the couples were turned down because homosexuality goes against its beliefs.

The rejected couples say they are not waiting until the case is settled in court to have their civil union. Both plan to hold the ceremonies in late September on the boardwalk.

Though civil unions are legal in New Jersey, Camp Meeting maintains it does not have to accommodate same-sex unions on its property because it is a private, religious organization.

Related Information:Popular wedding spot bans same-sex unions