In Medina v. MGM Grand Hotel, Inc. the plaintiff (Medina) alledged discrimination based on sex (gender) in violation of Title VII of the the 1964 Civil Rights Act.

The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled the evidence presented by the plaintiff only supported harassment and discrimination based on his sexual orientation -- not his gender (sex). As such, there was no violation of Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act.

The 9th Circuit Court did agree that Medina had suffered harassment and discrimination because he was an openly gay man. This fact was never in dispute. The 9th Circuit Court further commented that Medina had been criminally assaulted (i.e., co-workers grabbing his crotch and poking their fingers into his anal area through his clothing, as well as verbal taunts; his supervisor condoning such behavior, etc.)and such behavior constituted criminal assault. However, during the two year period Medina worked at the MGM Grand, he never pursued criminal assault charges against his co-workers or against his immediate supervisor for instigating such assaults.

Had Medina's co-workers been openly gay themselves, Medina might have prevailed in alledging a violation of Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act since this act prohibits sexual harassment on the basis of gender.

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RE: Massachusetts State Police

Why would you "now" applaud the Massachusetts State Police for issuing a press release which purports to put a more benevolent face on a law enforcement agency with respect to the enforcement of state sodomy laws? Did the Massachusetts Sodomy Laws (F272-34 and F272-35) suddenly vanish overnight or loose their sinister impact upon gays? It remains to be seen whether or not the State Police will match its new rhetoric with the practical realities of law enforcement.

If you honestly believe the State Police of Massachusetts have turned over a new leaf in law enforcement, then you will have to accept the Salem witch hunts and burnings at the stake were exaggerations or embellishments of innocuous and inconsequential historical facts.

Dwight, come on now, you're not that gullible are you?

[This message has been edited by SunDogg (edited April 03, 2001).]