Stabbing in Gayborhood
An argument between a man and a woman resulted in a stabbing last week in the Gayborhood.
The incident occurred the morning of July 12 in the 1200 block of Locust Street.
According to Philadelphia Police Public Affairs Officer Jillian Russell, a 47-year-old female, Tamya Davis, from the 1400 block of Chadwick Street, got into an argument with a 42-year-old man. Davis then allegedly stabbed the male once in the right arm. She was arrested on the scene and charged with aggravated assault and related charges.
The man was treated at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and was reported to be in stable condition.
Officer Christine O’Brien said police were unsure what the two were arguing about.
— Angela Thomas
Judge orders mental exam for trans litigant
A federal judge has ordered a mental exam for transgender litigant Bobbie Burnett, who is suing the city for employment discrimination.
On July 12, U.S. District Judge C. Darnell Jones 2d issued the one-page order.
“By seeking damages for ‘intense’ and ‘severe’ emotional distress, as well as ‘ongoing psychological and psychiatric treatment’ for depression due to [the city’s] actions, and bringing a claim for intentional infliction of emotional distress, [Burnett] has effectively put her mental state ‘in controversy’ such that [city officials] are entitled to compel her mental examination,” Jones stated.
Burnett, a city library assistant, filed suit against the city in 2009. She alleges employment discrimination dating back to 2001, shortly after she transitioned to the opposite gender.
The city requested a mental examination of Burnett to help determine the extent of her alleged psychological difficulties.
But Burnett’s attorneys opposed the mental exam, noting that Burnett’s full medical and counseling files have already been supplied to the city.
Both sides declined to comment for this story.
Burnett’s lawsuit alleges constitutional violations of right to due process, equal protection under the law, freedom of expression and other rights.
She’s also suing under Title 7 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 for alleged discrimination on account of her sex.
Additionally, Burnett alleges that four of her coworkers intentionally inflicted emotional distress upon her, which is prohibited under state law.
Efforts to settle the case have been unsuccessful, and a jury trial is expected early next year.
Plaintiff in Woody’s case seeks jury trial
Tyree Lawson, who claims he was injured during a fracas at Woody’s Bar, is seeking a jury trial in the matter.
Lawson contends he was assaulted by an unidentified bouncer at the bar in July 2012 during a melee on the second floor.
The popular LGBT-oriented bar is located at 202 S. 13th St.
Lawson sustained a broken tooth and injuries to his face, leg and ankle due to the alleged assault, according to court records.
Lawson’s attorney, William E. Averona, said damages could exceed $50,000, so a jury trial is necessary.
The alternative of having an arbitration hearing is undesirable because city arbitration panels cannot award damages in excess of $50,000, Averona said.
“My client has a permanent injury to his ankle,” the attorney said. “His injuries are substantial. He’s having problems standing, and damages could exceed $50,000.”
Kevin L. Connors, an attorney for Woody’s, declined to comment for this story.
Common Pleas Judge Ellen Ceisler hadn’t ruled on the jury-trial request by presstime.
If she denies the request, an arbitration hearing will be held, tentatively scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Sept. 18 at 1800 JFK Blvd., fifth floor.
— Tim Cwiek
Rebel for equality, EQPA
LGBTs and allies looking to proclaim their support for LGBT equality can now do so in support of a statewide LGBT-rights organization.
Limelight Shirts has launched a line of tees emblazoned with the slogan: “I’m a rebel. #OpenRebellion For Equality.” The shirts are $15 and $5 of each purchase will be donated to Equality Pennsylvania.
The slogan is derived from antigay Rep. Daryl Metcalfe’s comments that Rep. Brian Sims was in “open rebellion against God’s law” when the latter attempted to speak on the House floor in support of the Supreme Court rulings on marriage equality.
For more information or to purchase a shirt, visit www.limelightshirts.com.
— Jen Colletta