VA County Dismisses Complaint Against Christian Businessman

Liberty Counsel Will Continue To Challenge Arlington’s Sexual Orientation Ordinance

June 13, 2006

[Arlington, VA – Liberty Counsel] One day after Liberty Counsel filed suit in Arlington Circuit Court on behalf of Tim Bono and his company against Arlington County Human Rights Commission, the Commission dismissed the complaint filed by lesbian activist Lilli M. Vincenz, stating there was no valid claim of discrimination against Mr. Bono.

Ms. Vincenz filed a complaint with the Commission under the county’s nondiscrimination ordinance, after Bono Film and Video refused to copy “Gay and Proud” and “Second Largest Minority” for Ms. Vincenz due to their content. Mr. Bono’s company does not duplicate material that is obscene, could embarrass employees, hurt the company’s reputation or that runs counter to his company’s values. The Commission directed Mr. Bono to duplicate the objectionable videos or pay for the duplication at another facility. The Commission also defamed Mr. Bono by sending a press release to over 5,000 media outlets, stating that there was evidence Mr. Bono had engaged in discrimination. Liberty Counsel filed suit to stop the Commission from taking further action against Mr. Bono.

Liberty Counsel will proceed with the suit that challenges the Commission’s authority to recognize “sexual orientation” as a civil right. Virginia law prohibits local government from passing or enforcing nondiscrimination laws that are not authorized by the state. The state does not list “sexual orientation” as a protected civil right or class. Liberty Counsel’s suit will affect Arlington County and several other Virginia counties that have illegally passed “sexual orientation” anti-discrimination laws. Several years ago, the Virginia Attorney General issued an opinion concluding that local “sexual orientation” laws violate state law.

Erik Stanley, Chief Counsel of Liberty Counsel, stated: “Although we are pleased the Commission dismissed the frivolous complaint against Mr. Bono, we will continue to challenge Arlington County’s attempt to recognize ‘sexual orientation’ as a civil right. Liberty Counsel’s suit will invalidate the county ordinance and other similar ordinances throughout Virginia.”

###

MORE INFORMATION:

WANTED: CHRISTIAN BUSINESS OWNERS IN ARLINGTON COUNTY, VA”¦

Family Policy Network is working to organize a lawsuit on behalf of a group of Arlington County business owners who feel the ‘Human Rights Commission’ poses a threat to their religious liberties. Participants will NOT be charged for legal representation.
If you or someone you know owns a business in Arlington County and would like to be an ANONYMOUS plaintiff in this religious liberties case, please use the form below to express interest in learning more. Your name and contact information will remain STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL.

YES: I would like more information about becoming one of the anonymous plaintiffs in the case against Arlington County over the religious liberties violations against Tim Bono. Please contact me so that I can learn more.

Additional Comments or Questions:

*Your name:

*Email address:

Mailing address:

*City, ST, Zip:

Phone number:

* Some fields required

	Please contact me.
	Add me to FPN’s donor list.
	Add me to FPN’s email list.