LGBTQ Singles Can Finally Search for Love on ChristianMingle.com

Unfortunately, the site didn’t make these changes just because they felt like it. The move came about thanks to a “judge-approved settlement of discrimination claims” filed by two men in 2013 against Spark Networks, which also owns CatholicMingle.com, AdventistSinglesConnection.com, and BlackSingles.com. Those sites are also now open to gay and lesbian singles, and will also be required in the future to provide features making it easier for those users to find love.

The plaintiffs’ legal team argued that not offering options for same-sex couples was a clear violation of California’s anti-discrimination laws. And, you know, there’s the fact that gay and lesbian singles and couples go to church, too.

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As part of the lawsuit, Spark Networks will pay each plaintiff $9,000, plus $450,000 in legal fees.

ChristianMingle.com posted an article on its Facebook page on Friday—a day after the ruling—titled “Why a Test of Faith Is Something to Be Thankful For,” which brought on user comments critical of the update, but has otherwise avoided mentioning the lawsuit and changes.

Spark Networks also owns the popular Jewish matchmaking site JDate.com, which currently allows people to search for same-sex matches.