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Christian Businessman Who Refuses to Reproduce Pro-Homosexual Videos Files Suit

Arlington, VA, June 7, 2006 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Today, Liberty Counsel filed suit in Arlington Circuit Court on behalf of Tim Bono and Bono Film and Video Inc., against the Arlington County Human Rights Commission, Arlington County Board, and Arlington County, Virginia. The suit seeks Declaratory Judgment, Preliminary and Permanent Injunctive Relief, and Damages, and challenges the authority of the Commission to order Bono Film to duplicate two pro-homosexual videos provided by lesbian activist Lilli M. Vincenz.

Tim Bono was contacted by Lilli Vincenz via e-mail to reproduce two documentaries entitled Gay and Proud and Second Largest Minority. Mr. Bono informed Ms. Vincenz that his company does not duplicate material that is obscene, could embarrass employees, hurt the company's reputation or that runs counter to the company's Core Values and Christian and ethical values.

Ms. Vincenz filed a complaint with the Commission under the County's nondiscrimination ordinance, which was amended to include "sexual orientation." On April 13, 2006, the Commission entered a "Decision" directing Bono Film to "provide the requested duplication service at the complainant's expense or in the alternative to assist the Complainant in locating a suitable facility where this service can be provided at the Bono Film and Video's expense."

The lawsuit filed today challenges the authority of the Commission to enter the order. The so-called "Dillon's Rule," under Virginia law, prohibits local government from passing or enforcing nondiscrimination laws that are not authorized by the state. The state does not list "sexual orientation" as a protected civil right or class. The suit would take away all authority from the Commission to enforce "sexual orientation" nondiscrimination laws. The lawsuit will also affect several other Virginia counties that have illegally passed "sexual orientation" antidiscrimination laws. In addition, the suit alleges violations of Mr. Bono's freedom of speech, free exercise of religion, and sections 12 and 16 of the Virginia Constitution.

Erik Stanley, Chief Counsel of Liberty Counsel, stated: "As a newspaper is not required to run every proposed ad, so a duplicator or printer is not obligated to reproduce every proposed copy. Mr. Bono does not have to reproduce a customer's hate speech, obscenity or pornography, nor may a customer hijack Mr. Bono's business and force him to promote a homosexual agenda. Since the state of Virginia does not recognize 'sexual orientation' as a civil right, neither Arlington County nor any other county may enforce such laws. This lawsuit will rein in renegade counties that have intentionally violated state law. Neither Arlington County nor any other local government entity is above the law."

Several years ago, the Virginia Attorney General issued an opinion concluding that local "sexual orientation" laws violated state law.

See related LifeSiteNews.com coverage:

Arlington Christian Business Attacked by Lesbian Activist through Human Rights Commission
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2006/apr/06042806.html

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