The Christian owners of a British seaside hotel are being sued after refusing to let a gay couple to stay in a double room.

The London Daily Mail reports the owners are facing an unprecedented court case under controversial new equality laws.

The couple has filed a claim of over $7,000 in damages under the allegations of "direct discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation."

But the owners have maintained their policy of banning all unmarried couples from sharing a bed at the hotel, regardless of sexual orientation.

Their policy has been in operation since they bought the hotel in 1986.