Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2008. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
 |
|
|
Washington Blade - August 8, 2008
Chris Johnson
The recommendation is part of a report released by the city's Human Rights Commission late last month. The document says the commission unanimously decided June 30 that Carlson Restaurants violated Alexandria's Human Rights Code by firing James McCray from his position as general manager at a TGI Friday's in Alexandria.
McCray, a 39-year-old Wood-bridge, Va., resident, has separately said he plans to file a federal lawsuit against Carlson Restaurants for violating the Americans with Disabilities Act, which protects people who are HIV positive.
McCray said the commission's report enabled him "to get some vindication on paper."
"My attorney presented the case in a way that obviously there was no other option but for them to decide with us," he said.
McCray said he is still discussing with his attorney when he will file his lawsuit.
Tony Castrilli, an Alexandria city spokesperson, said City Manager James Hartmann is reviewing the report and has not yet decided on whether he will comply with the commission's recommendation.
Amy Freshwater, a spokes-person for Carlson Restaurants, said her company was aware of the commission's report and had not yet determined how it will respond.
McCray lost his job at TGI Friday's on July 26, 2006. McCray said the company fired him the day after he disclosed he has HIV. The company has countered that McCray was terminated because of concerns with restaurant operations and his integrity.
###
Webb seeks review of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'
U.S. Sen. Jim Webb (D-Va.) has joined the chorus of officials calling for a review of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, saying there should be a "more workable balance" than the current situation.
Webb said July 21 on PBS' "Charlie Rose" that officials "should take a look" at the law that bars openly gay people from serving in the armed forces, but added that he did not "know where we might end up" as a result of the review.
The senator said there are "two different situations" in addressing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."
"The first is the considerations of close quarters in the operational military," he said. "We have to listen to people and hear that through."
Webb said the second situation is "the reality" that there are a number of gay people in the U.S. military "who want a career."
Charlie Rose, the show's host, added to Webb's comments that "all those who have probably served without anybody knowing have served courageously."
"Absolutely," Webb responded.
State Del. Adam Ebbin (D-Alexandria), the only openly gay lawmaker in the Virginia General Assembly, said he was encouraged that Webb sees the need for review and recognizes there are talented gay people in the military.
Ebbin, who also serves as spokesperson for Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, which seeks to overturn "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," said he is hopeful that Webb will eventually "acknowledge the need for full repeal and a law to forbid discrimination."
Former Gov. Mark Warner, the Democratic candidate for Virginia's open U.S. Senate seat, also recently called for a review of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," but said he currently supports the policy.
080808
WB080804
Copyright © 2008 - The Washington Blade. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of The Washington Blade content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of the Blade. The Washington Blade shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. The Washington Blade.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Elton John AIDS Foundation UK, the National Library of Medicine, AIDS Walk of Orange County, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2008. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2008. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .