Update: Dollywood Refunds Offended Lesbians in 'Marriage is So Gay' T-Shirt Flap

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (The Blaze/AP) -- Dollywood officials have offered a refund to a lesbian couple after an employee asked one of the women to turn her T-shirt inside out to hide the slogan "marriage is so gay." Last week, The Blaze first reported on the women's discrimination claims following the incident, which has gained national attention.

Park officials called off a meeting with the couple when Jennifer Tipton and Olivier Odom wanted to bring a representative from Campaign for Southern Equality, a gay rights organization.

Dollywood park spokesman Pete Owens told The Knoxville News Sentinel that the park didn't want to meet with the representative who wasn't at the park at the time of the incident, so they sent the couple a letter and gave them a refund. Last week, Dolly Parton issued a statement as well. KnoxNews.com has more:

"I am truly sorry for the hurt or embarrassment regarding the gay and lesbian T-shirt incident at Dollywood's Splash Country recently. Everyone knows of my personal support of the gay and lesbian community. Dollywood is a family park and all families are welcome," said Parton in the statement.

While Parton did not apologize for a park dress code policy that forbids offensive T-shirts, she did conclude: "I am looking further into the incident and hope and believe it was more policy than insensitivity. I am very sorry it happened at all."

The couple complained after a park worker last month asked Odom to reverse her shirt to avoid offending other visitors. The incident has caused Dollywood officials to say that they will take a second look at clothing regulations for the upcoming year. In an e-mail to the Odom, Dollywood spokesman Pete Owens wrote:

"Dollywood also apologizes if you felt uncomfortable or hurt in any way during your visit. Please know that Dollywood takes pride in being open to everyone every day."

The couple is disappointed that the meeting did not take place, but they are hopeful that their activism as a result of the incident had a positive impact for the gay marriage movement.