Posted on 01/08/2003 8:57:31 AM PST by Deadeye Division
Confrontation over gay kiss sparks battle
Wednesday, January 8, 2003
Dean Narciso
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
Like so many people who say goodbye before heading on a trip, T.J. Williams hugged and kissed his partner while he waited to board a Greyhound bus.
Had the object of his affection been a woman, the parting likely would have gone unnoticed.
But a security guard at the Downtown bus terminal was watching and told Williams: "People here don't like to see that freaky-deaky stuff.'' He asked Williams to stop, according to a Columbus police report that was filed on the incident that occurred last spring.
Since that time, Williams has turned down an offer of money from Greyhound. He was in Columbus yesterday to raise awareness of the issue.
"This has happened so many times," Williams said. "Unfortunately, because people don't want to come out, these things are kind of swept under the carpet.''
The tension on that June 15 morning escalated when Williams asked to see a manager.
Williams, 32, a Youngstown resident who calls himself a contemporary Christian singer and composer, was called "trouble'' by the manager and told to leave.
In a Greyhound report, the guard -- Michael Forney of Global One, the security company that Greyhound contracts with -- said he was summoned about 4 a.m. by passengers who complained about two men kissing outside the terminal.
"As I approached . . . I noticed that they (were) kissing passionately and grabbing each other's buttocks. I simply asked the gentlemen to conduct themselves as adults,'' Forney says in the report.
Calls to Global One and Greyhound were not returned yesterday. Forney also couldn't be reached.
Williams denies that his behavior was lewd.
At least one witness agrees.
"I was tired and worn out from traveling. They seemed really happy,'' said Erica Wiggins, 22, who was stopped in Columbus while on a trip to Canada. "It made me happy to see them happy.''
Wiggins' male friend asked the guard, "Would you say that to me if it were me and my girlfriend?'' The guard responded, "That's different,'' recalled Wiggins, of Kansas City, Mo.
Williams -- who is black -- said he's prepared to become a symbol for gays and other minorities. "The fact that I was kissing a white man, and kissing a man, played into their own sexism, racism and homophobia.''
Last summer, Williams filed a formal complaint with the Columbus Community Relations Commission, which investigates discrimination.
He has turned down a $500 offer from Greyhound that the commission brokered. It would have absolved the bus company of guilt or future legal action.
He has instead appealed to the commission, asking for $100,000 from Greyhound and Global One, sensitivity training, Forney's firing and new policies at Greyhound.
Yesterday, Williams met with the gay-rights group Stonewall Columbus for advice. He said he's prepared to file a federal suit, but what he most wants is justice and to empower others.
"I think that there are times that all of us have to be a little bit of Rosa Parks and Jesse Jackson. Otherwise, society doesn't change, folks don't learn.''
This is rich. Lets take these one by one shall we:
"$100,000" These two were damaged in the amount of $100,000 by someone's words? Interesting.
"sensitivity training Yawn! Next!
"Forney's firing" So, they believe they should get to dictate who Greyhound can have as an employee? Thats odd, I thought queers were against employers having such power. And no cour tcould force Greyhound to fire anyone in the first place.
"New policies" That what, encourgae same-sex fraternizing in public?
Stupid, intolerant queers.
Add that to the list of things I don't want to see in public.
Along with people advocating agents of the government enforcing their view of morality at the point of a gun. I'm sure you don't like the sight of that either.
I support the ability to enact them. As your namesake would.
I support such laws. I also support laws prohibiting bestiality.
Along with the ability to enact Jim Crow laws?
Mind if I watch you and your spouse having sex so everyone can be sure you aren't violating any laws?
Af far as I know, that would be unconstitutional.
He must go to The Church founded on The Rock Hudson....
Hmmmm? I would not vote for such a law. What are you implying? You are trying to change the subject from behaviour to race.
Well, maybe it wasn't lewd, technically speaking, but homosexual kissing will inevitably gross out a certain section of the public, just like picking your nose in public.
Geez, what a stretch.
Good, move up one spot.
What are you implying? You are trying to change the subject from behaviour to race.
I'm addressing your point. Go back and see what point you made, then you will know what I am impying.
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