Panel backs transgender woman in restroom case

By Abigail Curtis
BDN Staff
5/20/09

http://www.bangordailynews.com/detail/106487.html

AUGUSTA, Maine — The Maine Human Rights Commission decided Monday that a transgender woman was discriminated against at a Denny's restaurant in Auburn when management would not let her use the ladies room until she had sex reassignment surgery.

While the lawyer representing the Denny's owners said that the 3-2 decision could have far-reaching, negative consequences for all Maine businesses with shared restroom facilities, it was hailed as a civil rights victory by the Maine Civil Liberties Union and advocacy organization Equality Maine.

They have fear about their buissiness, not about a safety room (to make pee) for people

QuoteKevin LaBree, the vice president and director of operations for Realty Resources Hospitality, said that he was just concerned about the comfort and care of his guests.

"Denny's is a family restaurant chain," he said. "I am going to do what's in the best interest of my customers."

How very ironic. I recall the same arguments being used to continue exclude blacks from "whites only" toilets. It was always about the "comfort and care of my guests." Consequently the guests get to act as though the place were their private dwellings and were not required to manage their prejudices in public. That would have been much too much to require of them.

The more things change ....

Transgender Woman in Maine Wins Discrimination Lawsuit Against Denny's
by: Louise
Wed May 20, 2009 at 20:16:14 PM EDT

http://pamshouseblend.com/diary/11077/transgender-woman-in-maine-wins-discrimination-lawsuit-against-dennys

You know, Denny's- the restaurant chain with an oh-so squeaky clean record regarding lawsuits?

Well, this one occurred in central Maine:

    AUGUSTA, Maine - The Maine Human Rights Commission decided Monday that a transgender woman was discriminated against at a Denny's restaurant in Auburn when management would not let her use the ladies room until she had sex reassignment surgery.