A downtown Boston hotel, the Liberty Hotel, has settled a discrimination complaint following an incident where a woman was accused of being a man. This incident has sparked outrage and legal action, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the LGBTQIA2S+ community. The settlement includes a charitable donation, policy updates, and anti-discrimination training. However, the couple involved, Ansley Baker and Liz Victor, are not satisfied and plan to file a civil lawsuit seeking further answers and punitive damages.
The case brings to light the importance of non-discrimination policies and the need for businesses to create inclusive environments. It also underscores the significance of holding institutions accountable for discriminatory behavior and ensuring that individuals are treated with dignity and respect. The lawsuit aims to address the emotional distress and public shaming experienced by the couple, as well as to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
This article will delve into the details of the incident, the subsequent settlement, and the couple’s decision to pursue further legal action. It will also explore the broader implications of the case for LGBTQIA2S+ rights and the ongoing fight against discrimination in Massachusetts and beyond.
The Incident at Liberty Hotel
In May, Ansley Baker and her partner, Liz Victor, attended a Kentucky Derby party at the Liberty Hotel on Charles Street. While in the bathroom, a security guard confronted Baker, accusing her of being a man and demanding to see her identification. According to the couple’s lawyer, Lenny Kesten, Baker was humiliated and forced to show her ID while still inside the stall to “prove” her sex. Despite verifying that she was a woman, both Baker and Victor were ejected from the event, leaving them shaken, crying, and publicly shamed.
The incident gained attention after Victor shared their experience in an online Google review. The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) subsequently became involved, investigating the matter and eventually reaching a settlement with the hotel.
Kesten, the couple’s lawyer, stated that the hotel’s initial statement falsely accused Baker and Victor of sharing a stall and physically assaulting the security team. These claims were adamantly denied by the couple, and MCAD concluded that the women were stereotyped and harassed during the incident and then retaliated against by the hotel when they complained online.
MCAD Settlement Terms
The settlement between MCAD and the Liberty Hotel includes several key provisions aimed at preventing future discrimination. The hotel is required to cease and desist from all discriminatory conduct, update its non-discrimination policies for employees, and provide anti-discrimination training for employees and advanced training for management. The hotel will also post a non-discrimination statement in its lobby and make a charitable donation of $10,000 to an LGBTQIA2S+ non-profit organization.
MCAD Chairwoman Sunita George described the incident as outrageous, stating that the women were denied services, subjected to demeaning treatment, and falsely accused of actions they did not commit. She emphasized that such treatment is unjust and violates Massachusetts civil rights law.
Mark Fischer, the general manager of the Liberty Hotel, expressed regret that the hotel’s initial statement may have created unintended impressions about the actions of Ansley and Liz. He stated that the hotel is committed to learning from the incident and doing everything possible to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Fischer also expressed gratitude to MCAD for its leadership and expertise in strengthening the hotel’s practices.
Civil Lawsuit Plans
Despite the settlement between MCAD and the Liberty Hotel, Ansley Baker and Liz Victor plan to file a civil lawsuit against the hotel. Their lawyer, Lenny Kesten, criticized the hotel’s “fake statement” and announced plans to subpoena individuals to uncover the reasons behind the incident and the subsequent attempts to discredit the victims. The lawsuit will seek punitive damages to hold the hotel accountable for its actions.
Kesten asserted that the hotel repeatedly lied and attacked Ansley and Liz for malicious reasons to cover up the guard’s wrongdoing. He emphasized that the initial statement had to be signed off by executives, and he intends to expose those responsible once he obtains their names.
The couple hopes that the civil lawsuit will provide them with answers, justice, and a sense of closure. They also aim to deter other businesses from engaging in similar discriminatory behavior.
LGBTQIA2S+ Rights Challenges
MCAD Executive Director Michael Memmolo acknowledged that protections for gender identity and sexual orientation are being challenged nationally. He cited examples such as President Donald Trump’s transgender military ban and the removal of LGBTQIA2S+ content from sex education materials in Massachusetts. These challenges underscore the ongoing need to advocate for LGBTQIA2S+ rights and combat discrimination.
The Liberty Hotel incident serves as a reminder that discrimination against LGBTQIA2S+ individuals persists and that vigilance is required to ensure their rights are protected. MCAD remains committed to upholding these rights and holding businesses accountable to the law, with the mission of creating a Commonwealth where discrimination is not only addressed but actively prevented.
Conclusion
The Liberty Hotel discrimination case highlights the importance of creating inclusive environments and holding businesses accountable for discriminatory behavior. The settlement between MCAD and the hotel represents a step in the right direction, but the couple’s decision to pursue further legal action underscores the need for more comprehensive solutions.
The case serves as a reminder that discrimination against LGBTQIA2S+ individuals remains a persistent problem and that ongoing efforts are required to protect their rights and ensure they are treated with dignity and respect. Businesses, organizations, and individuals must work together to create a society where everyone feels welcome and valued, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.
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