Restraining order denied in Paige case
A federal judge last week declined to issue a restraining order that would have frozen the financial assets of a Philadelphia police officer who allegedly assaulted another man while on duty five years ago. James Harris contends that Officer Michael Paige forced him to repeatedly perform oral sex on him inside Paige’s cruiser at a secluded area of Fairmount Park on March 16, 2007. Paige denies the allegations, and he was cleared of any criminal wrongdoing in 2008. But a federal jury last month awarded Harris $165,000 in civil damages. Harris wants to collect on that judgment, and his attorneys are concerned that Paige may transfer or conceal his assets if they’re not frozen. But at a July 13 court proceeding, U.S. District Judge Robert F. Kelly said there’s no immediate threat of “irreparable harm” to Harris if Paige’s assets remain fluid. Thus, Kelly declined to issue the temporary restraining order. In a related matter, Paige has requested a new trial or, in the alternative, a dismissal of the jury verdict. In a recent court motion, Paige claimed that Kelly improperly withheld from the jury information about Paige’s exoneration in criminal court. Kelly didn’t address the request for a new trial at the July 13 proceeding. Outside the courtroom, Brian F. Humble, an attorney for Harris, said he was certain the jury verdict will withstand any appeals by Paige. Humble also expressed hope that city attorneys will agree to indemnify Paige, so that the $165,000 judgment awarded to his client will be paid promptly. But Humble also acknowledged that his legal fees and costs total about $500,000, which the city may have to pay if it agrees to indemnify Paige. Brian M. Puricelli, an attorney for Paige, had no comment for this story. Siloam sells church Siloam, a local AIDS-services agency embroiled in a legal battle over plans to demolish the old Church of the Assumption, has sold the church and other buildings on its property, according to a letter sent by the agency to its supporters. Siloam continues to operate out of an old Catholic rectory on the property while it searches for a new location, according to the letter. “The overwhelming feeling is one of relief and excitement to look to the future,” wrote Sr. Catherine T. Maguire, interim director of Siloam, in the letter. Additional information about the sale was unavailable at press time. Andrew R. Palewski, an architectural preservationist who nominated the old Church of the Assumption for placement on the city’s Register of Historic Places, was encouraged by the sale. “This is a positive turn of events,” Palewski said. “We don’t know what the new owners have planned for the property. So it’s too early to reach any conclusions. But it’s the most encouraging news that has emerged since the building was designated [historic] three years ago.” Palewski also expressed hope that measures will be taken to repair the church’s roof, since water infiltration has plagued the building for years. “Some basic roof stabilization would be very good to see,” he said. “It wouldn’t take more than three days [of work] to weather-proof the structure.” The church was built at 1133 Spring Garden St. in 1848-49 by noted architect Patrick Charles Keely. It was placed on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places in May 2009, in part because it was consecrated by former Bishop John Neumann and was the church where Katharine Drexel was baptized. Neumann and Drexel later became saints. Siloam applied for a financial-hardship waiver in order to demolish the church, and the Philadelphia Historical Commission granted the waiver in September 2010, clearing the way for demolition. The Callowhill Neighborhood Association appealed to the city’s Board of License and Inspection Review. In May 2011, the board overturned the commission’s ruling, effectively blocking the demolition. Siloam appealed the board’s decision in Philadelphia Common Pleas Court, where the appeal is still pending. — Tim Cwiek
Film, discussion focus on Dignity leader Among the film selections at ongoing LGBT film festival QFest is a work that profiles the inspiration of gay Catholic group Dignity USA, which will be followed by a talkback with local Dignity leaders. “Taking a Chance on God,” which looks at the life of storied activist John McNeill, will be screened at noon July 21 at Ritz East, 125 S. Second St. A former prisoner of war in Nazi Germany, McNeill was expelled from the Jesuit priesthood for his writings about homosexuality. He is the author of works such as “The Church and the Homosexual,” a book that is credited with inspiring the creation of Dignity USA. McNeill founded the New York chapter of the group. He co-founded The Upper Room AIDS Ministry in New York City alongside Father Mychal Judge, the gay New York Fire Department chaplain killed on Sept. 11, 2001. Producer Ilene Culter said the film’s message is “one of love, compassion, respect and simple human dignity. If one life is affected by this work, then it has been worthwhile. John’s message of love and respect can literally save lives.” Immediately after the film, director Brendan Fray; the Hon. Ann Butchart, the city’s first out judge; and AIDS Alive Philadelphia founder Martie Gillen will participate in a discussion on McNeill’s legacy. Speak out on Ryan White Care Act The federal Department of Health and Human Services is accepting public comments that could be used to shape the future of the Ryan White Care Act, which funds HIV/AIDS services. The program supports HIV care and treatment throughout the country, primarily for the un- and underinsured. The legislation is up for reauthorization by Congress next year. Members of the public, especially Ryan White grantees, AIDS service organizations and others impacted by the program, can submit their comments through July 31. Comments can be submitted at hab.hrsa.gov/reauthorization/. — Jen Colletta
