This week Jonathon Brennan (29), a Catholic, asked Beulah Print in County Louth to make invitations for him and his partner John Kierans (35) who have been together for 8 years and are planning a civil ceremony on August 3 in Celbridge, County Kildare.
However, according to the Irish Times, Mr Brennan, who is proprietor of Avenue hairdressers in Drogheda, and claims to have used the services of Beulah Print for a number of years was told by the company's co-owner Neol Tuite that they wouldn't print the couple's wedding invitations because he and his business partner's Christian views on the issue of gay marriage.
A statement was released on the company's Facebook page in the wake of the controversy, it said: "We, at Beulah Print, are Bible-believing Christians who are committed to standing by our conscience and God's word, said Noel Tuite, co-owner of Beulah Print.
"We have been in business for twelve years, during which time we have held to our convictions, and have at times declined a variety of work which we felt was clearly contrary to our beliefs.
"We have never hidden our faith from our customers and represent the gospel at every opportunity", the statement added.
The issue mirrors a similar incident in Northern Ireland where Ashers Bakery is facing legal action after declining to bake a cake celebrating gay marriage.
The Republic of Ireland will hold a referendum on gay marriage at the end of May.
