Two lesbian teenagers were kicked off a Portland bus when a passenger complained about seeing them kissing. The girls stated that the 64-year-old driver called them “sickos” as he proceeded to eject them from the bus. The driver, with 11 years experience, violated several transit policies:
“The actions by the girls did not warrant being removed from the bus, and TriMet policy requires operators to call for assistance before removing any minors, TriMet said in a statement released Wednesday.”
So is the major concern that they were minors left in an unsafe situation by being ejected from the bus? I’m sure you agree that the major concern was the homophobia on the bus; an unsafe situation indeed.
The family has been encouraged to pursue a lawsuit.
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four comments
I got a few more details on the incident:
"Maika Rich and Jocelyn O'Neal, both 14, admit they were kissing while on the No. 12 bus traveling on Barbur Boulevard at about 5 p.m. on June 8. They were headed to the Sexual Minority Youth Recreation Center.
They say a female passenger complained to the driver about the kissing and that the driver told them to "knock it off" and also called them "sickos."
Rich says she then gave O'Neal a hug because it appeared she was upset about the exchange. They say at that point the driver stopped the bus and ordered them off."
Posted by Stacey May
June 25, 2007, 11:30 AM
"...both 14, admit they were kissing..."
Why'd they have to "admit" they were kissing, as if kissing is bad?
I'm pro-kissing!
Posted by Thea
June 26, 2007, 1:20 PM
Reminds me of two men who almost got the flight they were on diverted because someone—no one says who—apparently complained they were being too affectionate.
Posted by Wesley
June 26, 2007, 2:40 PM
I wonder if I should do this.
No one's gonna believe me anyway.
Eh. Whatever.
I'm one of the girls, lol, and because I'm egotistical I'm reading this.
Yay.
Anyhoo...we were never going to pursue a lawsuit. Her mom didn't want to make it about the money.
Just a comment.
Posted by Jocelyn
April 17, 2008, 12:19 PM
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