“Even though we believed that the complaint resulted from an unfair characterization of our business,” Olson said, “we ultimately decided it was best to settle this case with the attorney general since litigation outcomes can be unpredictable.” But attorney Theodore Olson, who issued a statement on the company’s behalf, made clear that it did not agree to offer gay matches willingly.
The company said that Warren was not giving interviews on the settlement. “That was one of the things I asked for,” said Eric McKinley, 46, who complained to New Jersey’s Division on Civil Rights after being turned down for a subscription in 2005. It must not only implement the new policy by March 31 but also give the first 10,000 same-sex registrants a free six-month subscription. The Pasadena-based dating website, heavily promoted by Christian evangelical leaders when it was founded, has agreed in a civil rights settlement to give up its heterosexuals-only policy and offer same-sex matches.ĮHarmony was started by psychologist Neil Clark Warren, who is known for his mild-mannered television and radio advertisements.
The dating site eHarmony is now opening a separate but equal site for gays.
