09/15/2008
Things to Do in Denver When You're Gay Bashed
Not much, apparently.
From the Denver Post:
"On St. Patrick's Day 2007, [Nima Daivari] was on his first and only visit to Denver when he, his cousin and her boyfriend were walking home from dinner at a 16th Street eatery...Suddenly, a pedestrian passed by and yelled, 'Keep that faggot away from me.'...'Excuse me?' asked Daivari, who then was punched in the head by the assailant. Daivari reacted with a few jabs of his own and held his attacker until police broke up the fight. Officer Richard Boehnlein refused Daivari's repeated demands to press charges, telling him, 'No, go home.' Daivari's complaint resulted in a finding that the officer should have at least documented the case and probably arrested his attacker. Boehnlein was reprimanded merely with 'a fine of one regular day off.' The city refused Daivari's settlement request that Boehnlein undergo sensitivity training. Assistant City Attorney John Eckhardt touts Denver's support for gay and lesbian rights, saying, 'The training the city provides its police officers is exemplary in these areas.' So exemplary, in fact, that Eckhardt asserted it was 'not evident' to police 'that Mr. Daivari is a homosexual,' even after he told them his story. 'Come on, I look like a raging homo,' Daivari says proudly. 'Officers must use discretion in deciding when and where (to take reports),' Eckhardt argued in denying Daivari's claim that police inaction was a result of Daivari's 'outwardly homosexual appearance, his failure to conform to male gender stereotypes.'"
The incident was reported by Denver's Westword at the time it happened. In August 07 it was reported that the officer would face disciplinary action.
According to the Post, "U.S. District Judge Zita Weinshienk dismissed the case Thursday, holding that no rights were violated. Gay men are not a protected class under the Constitution."
Gay attack swept under the shrug [denver post]
Sphere: Related ContentPosted 9:53 AM EST by Andy in Colorado, Crime, Denver, News | Permalink
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"U.S. District Judge Zita Weinshienk dismissed the case Thursday, holding that no rights were violated. Gay men are not a protected class under the Constitution."
...and if more self loathing Log Cabin Republican's help elect politicians into office who view homosexuals as not worthy of protection we can certainly expect to see more of this in the news...
Posted by: CJ | Sep 15, 2008 10:03:48 AM
No matter how much "training" a police officer has, or anyone else for that matter, if he is a homophobe, it plays out in his job. Training does not take away from bigotry deep in ones soul.
More disgusting actions from one of those activist GOP leaning judges. I guess he had to be maimed or killed for Zita, and, what kind of name is this, to see an injustice.
Posted by: Sebastian | Sep 15, 2008 11:03:48 AM
Hooray for fighting back, though. We need more of this. This guy is a hero.
Posted by: JLS | Sep 15, 2008 11:08:10 AM
Please gay Republicans tell us why hate crimes legislation is all about "special rights"?
Posted by: noah | Sep 15, 2008 12:02:59 PM
I don't think I've seen too many gays with that type of hair. For lack of a better word, it looks more ethnic that gay.
I hate when they say "failure to confirm to male gender stereotypes." It's a victory, not a failure, not to be a stereotype.
Posted by: Paul R | Sep 15, 2008 12:03:58 PM
How about both etnic AND gay, PAUL?
This kid is definitely a hero for fighting back. I doubt the attacker will feel all testosterone-y next time he feels like attacking another gay person.
Posted by: Shabaka | Sep 15, 2008 1:53:45 PM
Sorry, Shabaka, I knew that was going to come out wrong. I said it because he looks white to me, though I may be wrong. I was mainly referring to the fact that he thinks he presents as a raging homo, and without meeting him I can only go by his picture.
Posted by: Paul R | Sep 15, 2008 2:11:02 PM
This guy is definitely a hero.
Posted by: Dawnell_do | Sep 15, 2008 2:19:12 PM
Right on, PAUL!! All these "racial" or "ethnic" classifications are silly anyways!
Posted by: Shabaka | Sep 15, 2008 3:54:30 PM
Yes, Denver, you have taught me (and other queers) a valuable lesson: I should carry a gun whenever I'm there. Instead of calling a cop I blow the mutha fucka's head clean off if ever I'm attacked by some bigot, because street justice is the only kind of justice Gay folks get in your ass backward state. Yes, Denver, I get you perfectly.
Posted by: Wheezy | Sep 15, 2008 9:24:01 PM