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Gay Couple Given the Heave-Ho for Hugging
By
Jen Carlson
Published Nov 4, 2009
Modified Nov 4, 2009
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By
Jen Carlson
Published Nov 4, 2009
Modified Nov 4, 2009
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A cabbie is being called out for kicking a gay couple to the curb after they dared embrace in his car. The G-rated PDA caused Medhat Mohamed to allegedly toss the two out just two blocks after he had picked them up at 13th Street and First Avenue around 10:20 p.m. Monday night.
The NY Post talked to one of the men, 27-year-old Paul Bruno (pictured), who says the driver told them: "You guys have to get out of the taxi! Hugging is not allowed in here!" He says he doesn't know if the shocking act of discrimination "was a personal or religious thing," but the driver is "in the wrong place and in the wrong line of work if he doesn't have an open and tolerant attitude. I've seen a lot more go on in taxis than hugging."
As for the complaint they filed against the driver, the Taxi and Limousine Commission says they will take the allegation "very seriously and fully investigate." Service refusal comes with a fine anywhere from $200 to $500 and could lead to license suspension or revocation.
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cab
discrimination
gay
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Medhat Mohamed
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Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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