McCready v. Hoffius

We granted leave in this case to determine whether the defendants violated the Civil Rights Act,1 when they refused to rent to the unmarried plaintiffs. We conclude that the defendants discriminated against the plaintiffs on the basis of their marital status in violation of the Civil Rights Act. Defendants’ constitutional freedom of religion rights2 do not supersede the plaintiffs’ civil rights under the act. We reverse the decision of the Court of Appeals and *134direct the circuit court to enter summary disposition in favor of plaintiffs.

I. FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

Defendants John and…