Woman Sues Queens Sizzler for Alleged Gay Bias Attack by Manager, New York Civil Rights Violation Lawyer Comments
A gay diner filed a discrimination lawsuit against the Forest Hills Sizzler, claiming she was attacked and berated because of her sexual orientation.
August 12, 2011
A discrimination lawsuit was filed in Queens County Supreme Court against the Sizzler Restaurant in Forest Hills, New York on behalf of Liza Friedlander. Friedlander was allegedly attacked by a manager while trying to dine with friends.It is believed that this case is the first test of the newly enacted anti-bias crime law passed in August 2010 that allows victims of anti-gay and lesbian violence and intimidation to sue their attackers in civil court.
The Sizzler is accused of violating New York City and State Civil and Human Rights Laws because Friedlander was attacked and discriminated against based on her actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity in a place of public accommodation.
"I am appalled by anti-LGBT hate crimes. As described, this apparent gay discrimination incident was a harsh lesson about human decency," said David Perecman, a New York civil rights violation lawyer with more than thirty years of experience representing victims of discrimination or harassment.
As reported by the New York Daily News, Friedlander was at the Sizzler with two friends in September 2010 when brunch "turned into a horrifying ordeal of discrimination, violence and degradation."
The civil rights violation lawsuit said that the discrimination incident ensued after a Sizzler manager accused Friedlander of not paying for the buffet. Apparently, he approached her, shoved her in the chest, causing her to fall backward, and kicked her in the legs while calling her a "f...... dyke" and other epithets.
Allegedly, the manager's attack ignited a frenzy of "homophobic and hate-filled" chants from other Sizzler patrons. A male diner called Friedlander a "he-she freak" and demanded that she leave the restaurant. Another man threatened to take her outside and sexually assault her, using an off-color term to describe a portion of his anatomy. The man then threw objects at Friedlander.
Friedlander's friends called 911 fearing that she would be assaulted or killed.
It's not known exactly what started the trouble.
According to the New York civil rights violation lawsuit, "the hate-filled atmosphere was fueled by homophobia and driven by anger based on Ms. Friedlander's actual or perceived sexual orientation."
As reported by New York Daily News, manager Edgar Orellana denied kicking or touching Friedlander. He added, "I'm Hispanic. I respect people of all ethnicities, races or sexuality.
"Gay and lesbian people suffer discrimination, and Hispanics suffer discrimination. However, Hispanic individuals are as capable of gay discrimination as any other person. This is why every New York hate crime and/or civil rights violation case must be analyzed and evaluated individually," said Perecman, a New York civil rights violation lawyer for over 30 years.
If a person suspects that they've been treated unfairly because of their sexual orientation, he or she should contact an experienced New York civil rights violation lawyer. Lawyers at The Perecman Firm are knowledgeable of New York state, New York City and federal legislation that protects gays, lesbians, and transgendered people.
The expert civil rights violation lawyers at The Perecman Firm also handle all types of workplace discrimination claims, including age discrimination, race discrimination, gender discrimination, national origin discrimination, religious discrimination and disability discrimination.
About David Perecman and The Perecman Firm, PLLC:
For the past 30 years, the New York sexual orientation discrimination lawyers, age discrimination, race discrimination, and civil rights violation lawyers at The Perecman Firm, PLLC have handled all types of civil rights violation cases. David Perecman, founder of the Firm, is a Board Director and the past Secretary and Treasurer of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association (NYSTLA) and a chair of its Labor Law Committee. Mr. Perecman's achievements have brought him recognition as an Honoree in the National Law Journal's Hall of Fame, in New York Magazine's "The Best Lawyers in America" and The New York Times Magazine "New York Super Lawyers, Metro Edition" for the years 2007-2010.
The Firm has recovered millions of dollars for its clients. Among the more recent victories, Mr. Perecman won a $15 million verdict** for a construction accident, a $5.35 million dollar verdict*** for an automobile accident, and a $40 million dollar structured settlement for medical malpractice****.
* settled post trial for $2,250,000.00
**later settled while on appeal for $7.940 million
*** later settled for $3.5 million
**** total potential payout
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