Cuyahoga Falls denies family swim pass to couple

by Anthony Glassman

Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio--The city?s fitness center has refused a family membership to a same-sex couple who were legally married in Washington, D.C. last year.

Shane and Coty May asked to have their individual memberships changed into a family membership, which would save them money. A single nonresident membership is almost $500, while a family membership is $730 a year. Their request was denied, and they were told that Cuyahoga Falls Natatorium rules do not allow same-sex couples to get the family rate.

Coty was injured in Iraq, and Shane is his primary caregiver. They use the facility as physical therapy for Coty.

According to the Akron Beacon-Journal, Medina, Akron and Twinsburg all have city-run health facilities that allow same-sex couples to get family rates. Medina changed its ?married couple? requirement to any two people in the same household, and Akron allows same-sex couples living together to do the same. Twinsburg Fitness Center allows domestic partners to obtain family memberships.

The Mays took their plight to the internet, where they quickly garnered thousands of signatures on a Change.org petition. Each signature sends emails to each member of the Cuyahoga Falls City Council, inundating members with emails of protest.

After a January 17 council meeting, Council President Mark Ihasz said that he will ask city law director Paul Janis to examine the issue, whether the city council has the authority to change the natatorium?s policy. Councilor Diana Colavecchio, however, noted that an independent board sets the facility?s rules.

The Mays live across the street from Cuyahoga Falls, in Akron, but Shane May is a Cuyahoga Falls native.