Subj:  Discrimination Suit Settled
Date:  93-11-15 16:39:28 EST
From:  LLDEF DH

LAMBDA LEGAL DEFENSE SETTLES EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION LAWSUIT FOR CHICAGO
GAY MAN

(CHICAGO, IL, November 10, 1993)  Under the terms of a settlement negotiated
by Lambda Legal Defense and approved today by the Chicago Commission on Human
Relations, a Chicago company will compensate a gay man it let go after he
reported anti-gay harassment  and threats of physical violence from a
supervisor.  The company, Noble Horse Coach carriage company, also issued an
apology to the employee, Tony Scott, and will provide sensitivity training on
sexual orientation issues to its employees.  Lambda Legal Defense and
Education Fund represents Mr. Scott.

"This settlement is a clear indication that you can't 'solve' anti-gay
harassment in the employment setting by firing gay employees," stated
Patricia Logue, Managing Attorney of Lambda's midwest regional office, and
Mr. Scott's attorney.  "The perpetrators of anti-gay harassment and abuse
just like those who commit sexual harassment must be held responsible for
their actions.  The victims of such treatment should not bear the
consequences."

Like many major cities in the United States, Chicago's Human Rights Ordinance
protects lesbians and gay men from discrimination and harassment in
employment, housing, and public services based on their sexual orientation.
The settlement approved today by the Chicago Commission on Human Relations
resolved one of the first cases brought under the law.

The complaint arose from incidents that occurred over Labor Day weekend 1992,
when, according to Mr. Scott, a co-worker became verbally abusive and
physically threatening to him, shouting anti-gay epithets.  Mr. Scott's
complaint to the management, resulted in the loss of his job within the week.

In addition to an apology to Mr. Scott, the settlement agreement calls for
the Noble Horse Coach Company to provide sensitivity training on gay and
lesbian issues in the workplace for all its employees and to pay Mr. Scott a
substantial settlement for lost income and emotional distress.