Posted: 5:25 pm MDT July 10,
2009Updated: 8:33 pm MDT July 10,
2009
EL PASO, Texas -- Nearly 50 members of the gay community and supporters stood outside the Chico’s Tacos on the 11000 block of Montwood Friday protesting after allegedly being discriminated against.The demonstration stems from an incident that protestors said occurred last week in which two men were asked to leave Chico’s because they were kissing.The men claim a security guard at the restaurant told them that gay activity was something they did not put up with.The two men said they called police and the responding officer then allegedly told the men that Chico’s had every right to do what they did, citing a Texas law banning homosexual activity.The law, however, has been struck down by the Supreme Court and is not enforced.The men have filed a complaint with the El Paso Police Department.At the protest Friday, supporters held signs reading “Honk for Eqaulity” which many cars passing did.One of the men that was involved in the incident wanted to make clear that his problem was not with the Chico’s chain itself.“I encourage everybody to keep coming to Chico's. We don't have a problem with the Chico’s Tacos establishment; we do however have a problem with the security guards and the police department not knowing any better,” said Carlos Diaz de Leon.El Paso Police Chief Greg Allen has released a statement condemning any discrimination in El Paso including by his officers.Diaz de Leon said he will wait for the results of the police department’s internal review of his complaint.
Copyright 2009 by KFOXTV.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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Gay Supporters Protest At Chico's Tacos
Posted: 5:25 pm MDT July 10, 2009Updated: 8:33 pm MDT July 10, 2009
Copyright 2009 by KFOXTV.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.