US FIREMEN CLAIM SEXUAL HARASSMENT
Four San Diego firemen have taken their bosses to court because they were forced to attend the city’s 2007 Gay Pride parade.
The four men, Alex Kane, Chad Allison, Jason Hewett and captain John Ghiotto say that were, against their will, ordered to attend the event where they apparently suffered sexual harassment.
They claim to have been taunted by members of the crowd along the parade route who made sexually explicit comments such as “show me your hose,” and “give me mouth-to-mouth”.
“The experience left me feeling humiliated, embarrassed, and offended by this event,” Ghiotto said in a statement.
The men further say that they were on the receiving end of teasing and jokes from colleagues for having taken part in the event.
According to the men’s lawyers, the Pride parade was a political event and it was inappropriate for them to be forced to participate.
San Diego’s openly lesbian fire chief Tracy Jarman said in a statement that she had apologised to the men.
She stated that “I am deeply concerned and troubled by the allegations that have been made. I take them seriously.”
I fully support these men. It is ridiculous that they were ordered to join an event in which you express your views. Really its comparable to forcing the police for to attend an ANC rally. What”s more, what benefit would hostile people be to the parade.
Yes, perhaps they were taking it all a little too seriously, but some people are like that and they shouldn”t be forced into situations which make them uncomfortable. This is how people develop sterotypes about us.
….. What a bunch of girls! They are firemen and cannot take a bit of teasing! Holy smokes! These men have their own minds so why didn”t they just say no. Did they raise the issue with fire chief BEFORE the event? I”m sure volunteer”s could”ve been found to stand in for them. IMO, they are just out to make a quick buck. Get a spine, you wimps!!
Shame. Maybe they feel what its like to have someone make comments about you being gay. so now maybe they will think twice befor they do it knowing how it feels. I fell that they should not of been froced but are they 2 or are they men who can say no. please grow up.
Ohh my word.I can believe, gay ppl can be vultures at time.lol