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Comission Says Its OK for Christian Businessman to Refuse to Duplicate Gay Videos

By John Jalsevac

Arlington, VA, June 13, 2006 (LifeSiteNews.com) - One day after Tim Bono and his company filed a suit against the Arlington County Human Rights Commission, the Commission dismissed the complaint filed by lesbian activist Lilli M. Vincenz, stating there was no valid claim that she had been discriminated against by Mr. Bono.

Ms. Vincenz filed a complaint with the Commission under the county's nondiscrimination ordinance, when Bono Film and Video refused to copy Gay and Proud and Second Largest Minority for Ms. Vincenz due to its content. Mr. Bono's company does not duplicate material that is obscene, could embarrass employees, hurt the company’s reputation or that runs counter to the company’s values.

Initially the Commission sided with Ms. Vincenz and directed Mr. Bono to duplicate the objectionable videos or pay for the duplication at another facility, saying that Bono had discriminated against her based upon her “sexual orientation”. The Commission also defamed Mr. Bono by sending a press release to over 5,000 media outlets, stating that there was evidence Mr. Bono had engaged in discrimination.

The Commission has now rescinded its initial order against Bono and dismissed Ms. Vincenz’s complaint. There is no evidence that Bono ever discriminated against Ms. Vincenz based upon her sexual orientation, since Vincenz admits that she never actually discussed her orientation with Bono, reports ABC 7 News.

Liberty Counsel, Mr. Bono’s legal counsel, will, however, proceed with a suit that challenges the Commission's authority to recognize "sexual orientation" as a civil right. 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 Virginia Attorney General’s Office has already expressed its concern that local governments are stepping over the line by interpreting anti-discrimination laws as including “sexual orientation,” reports ABC 7 News.

Tucker Martin, spokesman for Attorney General Bob McDonnell said, “The opinion of this office is absent enabling legislation no locality can include sexual orientation in its nondiscrimination policy.”

Erik Stanley, Chief Counsel of Liberty Counsel, stated: "Although we are pleased the Commission dismissed the frivolous complaint against Mr. Bono, we will continue to challenge Arlington County's attempt to recognize 'sexual orientation' as a civil right. Liberty Counsel's suit will invalidate the county ordinance and other similar ordinances throughout Virginia."

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

Christian Businessman Who Refuses to Reproduce Pro-Homosexual Videos Files Suit
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2006/jun/06060702.html

 

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