San Francisco, CA (AHN)-A California lawyer in the process of getting a divorce says he is suing eHarmony, the online dating service that barred him from joining until his marriage is officially over.

The 36-year-old California resident John Claassen, says he was ready to resume dating but maintains that the popular Pasadena, California-based online dating agency eHarmony is violating his civil rights by not letting him use its service before his divorce is official.

The company, which advertises it is "dedicated to helping serious singles build lasting relationships," did not return calls for comment.

According to Reuters, Claassen says his lawsuit is based on a state law requiring businesses to disregard a person's marital status in the provision of services.