MONTREAL — A Canadian bank is refusing to open an account for a coalition of conservative and religious groups that opposes Montreal’s bid to host the 2006 Gay Games.
Montreal is competing with three U.S. cities — Chicago, Atlanta and Los Angeles — to host the Gay Games, which typically draw 24,000 athletes and 200,000 spectators.
The No Committee 2006 was formed in April after Montreal announced its bid. The committee’s members include the Christian Heritage Party and the Campaign Life Coalition for Quebec.
The Rev. Daniel Cormier, who heads the committee, said the group fears visiting athletes could spread the HIV virus that leads to AIDS.
A Royal Bank spokesman confirmed the No Committee 2006 was denied a bank account for donations for supporters.
“We refuse to support or oppose discriminatory activities of any kind,” said bank spokesman Raymond Chouinard.
Cormier called the bank’s refusal discriminatory. He said at a news conference Friday that his group would take the case to court or the Quebec Human Rights Commission.
