US matchmaker eHarmony has been sued for refusing to let a man use the online dating service until his divorce is final, the attorney behind the suit said. John Claassen, 36, charged that the policy violated anti-discrimination laws and should let users chose whom they want to meet.
Members of eHarmony post personal profiles online for a fee and use the site to connect with potentially compatible romantic partners.
"A lot of people in my situation would like access to public forums to get over something that hasn't been a high point in their lives," Claassen told AFP.
"We are hard-working professionals and online is an incredibly efficient forum for dating," he continued. "To be denied access for this doesn't seem right."
Online communities have become staples of modern life, and Internet dating has grown popular with those whose work schedules leave little time to scout for mates.
Claassen filed his suit in the city of Oakland, across the bay from San Francisco, and asked a judge to order eHarmony to revoke the singles-only rule. It also asked the court to award whatever financial penalty deemed fit.
"There are a lot of people in dissolution proceedings who feel quite ready to move on with their lives," said Claassen, who expected his divorce to be final in April. "My lawsuit is not about money."
"It is simply about trying to improve the lives of a lot of people going through a rather difficult situation."
The Pasadena, California-based online matchmaker did not return a call for comment on the suit.
Claassen notified eHarmony of the suit and they have a month to file a response with the court, he said.
