Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1995. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
The Associated Press - 26 Jul 95
Bruce Taylor, 31, a former aide and press secretary, was earning $40,000 a year when he was fired in December, two days after his partner died of AIDS.
"I am disappointed that Mrs. Collins has chosen to appeal," Taylor said Wednesday. "But nevertheless, this victory is not just for me and my partner but for all care-givers throughout the country who are dealing with a loved one with a catastrophic illness."
In a confidential decision, the Office of Fair Employment Practices, the internal grievance system for congressional staffers, ruled Tuesday that Taylor was fired because "he was perceived to be HIV positive or to have AIDS and would require time off for health reasons."
Through her press secretary, Collins said Wednesday that she was appealing the decision.
Taylor was seeking back pay, legal fees and $50,000 in damages under the American Disabilities Act. The fair employment office ruled that he should get back pay and legal fees.
Collins denied in a news conference earlier this month that she discriminated against Taylor, calling the accusation "totally ludicrous."
She testified during a closed-door hearing in June before the fair employment office that she never thought Taylor was ill with AIDS or HIV positive, according to official minutes of the proceedings obtained by The Associated Press.
Collins said Taylor was fired because the office was cutting six jobs after the Republican election victory.
Copyright 1995/The Associated Press. Reproduced with permission. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the Permissions Desk, The Associated Press, 50 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10020.
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Copyright © 1995 - Associated Press. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the AP Permissions Desk.
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