Playboy magazines became issue at gay pride parade trial
A San Diego city attoney hoped to ask about the Playboy magazines at a firehouse that belonged to one of the firefighters suing over being forced to participate in a gay pride parade last year. The judge did not think the issue was relavent and did not allow the line of questioning.
Here are excerpts from the latest article by Tony Manolatos of The Union-Tribune:
“Questions pertaining to John Ghiotto’s Playboy magazines is denied – defendants have failed to show that questions concerning the (magazines) are directly relevant to the issues or defenses raised in this case,” San Diego Superior Court Judge Michael Anello wrote in a ruling.
City Attorney Mike Aguirre argued before the trial – and again during a break Wednesday – that the magazines were at the station Ghiotto was assigned to, and viewed by at least one other defendant. The judge ruled the magazines could not be introduced as evidence and any related questions could not be raised before the jury.
“The evidence sought does not appear essential to determining the truth of the matters in dispute,” Anello’s ruling said. “The defendants have not shown a compelling reason to overcome the plaintiff’s right of privacy.” A station house is considered home because firefighters eat and sleep there.
The four firefighters – Ghiotto, Alex Kane, Chad Allison and Capt. Jason Hewitt – are alleging they were sexually harassed during the parade and mistreated at work after filing complaints.
Aguirre has argued they weren’t harassed and has said they’re opposed to the gay lifestyle.
