June 12, 2006
Geno's II
Maybe Joey Vento should have put a "we reserve the right to refuse anyone service" sign up instead.
- The Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations will file a complaint later on Monday, effectively opening an agency case against Geno's Steaks of South Philadelphia, said Rachel Lawton, acting executive director of the agency.
The Philadelphia controversy has fed a national debate over immigration in which the U.S. Senate passed a bill that would declare English the national language and politicians have raised objections to a Spanish version of the national anthem.
The sign may violate the city's Fair Practices Ordinance, which bans businesses from discriminating on the basis of nationality or ethnicity, Lawton said.
"The complaint will say that the sign discourages patronage by non-English speakers because of their national origin and/or ancestry," said Lawton, whose agency enforces the city's anti-discrimination laws.
Geno's will be given a up to two weeks to respond and, if the agency determines the sign has violated the city ordinance, will be ordered to take the sign down. If the restaurant refuses, it will be subject to a $300 fine, Lawton said.
Mr Vento has no intention of taking the sign down.
Good for him.
I wonder if it's a $300 one time fine or $300 / day fine.
- Roberto Santiago, executive director of the city's Council of Spanish Speaking Organizations, said he received around 50 "hate" e-mails in response to his criticism of the sign.
One from California said groups like his should be banned for representing "filthy, illegal alien invaders", he said.
"This is dividing this nation," he said.
Geno's or this "mulit-lingual" thing we've got going?
- "I'm really saddened by these individuals who are upset by having to be tolerant. I'm glad I'm living in an America where comments like Mr. Vento's are out of order."
First amendment and freedom expression be damned!
Geno's is probably forty miles from my house. But it might be time for a sandwich.
Update: I take that first part back. He already has that sign. (thanks to Chris)
