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#1
11-08-2009, 02:02 PM
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Fired for Telling Colleague Her Gay Marriage Is Wrong
Massachusetts Man Says He Was Fired for Telling Colleague Her Gay Marriage Is Wrong
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,...est=latestnews A manager at a Massachusetts retail store claims he was unjustly fired after he told a colleague he thought her impending marriage to another woman was wrong. Peter Vidala, 24, told FoxNews.com he was terminated in August from his position as second deputy manager at a Brookstone store at Boston's Logan Airport after a conversation he had with a manager from another Brookstone store who was visiting the location. Vidala claims the woman, whom he declined to identify, mentioned four times that she had married her partner. He said he then left the store briefly to visit the airport's chapel before returning. "I found it offensive that she repeatedly brought it up," Vidala said. "By the fourth time she mentioned it, I felt God wanted me to express how I felt about the matter, so I did. But my tone was downright apologetic. I said, 'Regarding your homosexuality, I think that's bad stuff.'" The woman, according to Vidala, then said, "Human resources, buddy — keep your opinions to yourself," before exiting the store. Two days later, Vidala, who had been employed for just a matter of weeks, received a termination letter citing the company's zero-tolerance policy regarding "harassment" and "inappropriate and unprofessional" comments. "In the state of Massachusetts, same-sex marriage is legal and there will be people with whom you work with who have fiancées or spouses who are the same gender," the Aug. 12 letter read. "... While you are entitled to your own beliefs, imposing them upon others in the workplace is not acceptable and in this case, by telling a colleague that she is deviant and immoral, constitutes discrimination and harassment." Vidala disputes using the words "deviant" and "immoral" during conversations with human resources employees on the matter. "I did say I regard that lifestyle as deviant, as in deviating from the norm, but I never, ever said to that to the [manager]," he said. "In general, I believe people don't want to hear about controversial issues like that in the workplace. They shouldn't have to." Vidala, who has not hired a lawyer, said he is considering filing a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. In a statement issued to FoxNews.com, Brookstone President/CEO Ron Boire said a "thorough and fair investigation" had been completed in the matter. "We do not comment on any specific personnel issues," the statement read. "However I will say that Brookstone is an equal opportunity employer, meaning that we maintain a healthy, safe and productive work environment free from discrimination or harassment based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, or other factors that are unrelated to the Company’s legitimate business interests. "We are proud of our diverse workforce of varying cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds." Asked why he felt the need to comment on the woman's personal life, Vidala, who has since left the Boston area, said he felt compelled to do so. "I see, like all real Christians, homosexuals as people who, like me, are sinners and need to be told the truth in a loving way," he said. "In this situation, I took issue with the behavior. I think it's lunacy to call that type of behavior marriage in any kind of form. I had to express that I'm intolerant of that behavior. It's a love-the-sinner, hate-the-sin kind of deal." Vidala said he felt "intentionally goaded" by the manager to comment on her relationship. "She knew how I felt about homosexuality," he said. "When you talk to someone about something like that, you want their support. She was kind of looking into my eyes for that social cue for me to say, 'I'm happy for you.' But I really couldn't feel happy for her."
__________________
Always go the last mile, the last bullet, the last breath. A Traderism. 
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#2
11-08-2009, 02:34 PM
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He should have file harassment charges on her. It's too bad he didn't say, "I would appreciate it if you would keep your personal life to yourself" when she first brought it up. Bringing it up now will sound like sour grapes, but I think he should get a lawyer.
__________________
undocumented worker = illegal alien = invader
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#3
11-08-2009, 02:51 PM
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first of all, he's in Massachusetts. He should have known better. Even tho we supposedly have a 1st amendment right, PC comes first lately, and well. Second, he should have immediately called EEOC and filed sexual harassment charges, if indeed she brought up the subject repeatedly and he was offended.
Next time..... Sunny
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#4
11-08-2009, 02:58 PM
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The whole thing is ridiculous.
She should not have been talking about her personal life with a stranger in the workplace. It's inappropriate. He should not have discussed his religious beliefs with a stranger in the workplace. Also inappropriate. She should not have had a hissy fit and filed a complaint with the company because some stranger in the workplace said he disapproved of her personal life - a topic which she brought up in the first place. And it's utterly outrageous that he should be fired for this. He's as entitled to his opinon and beliefs as she is, and his part in the whole situation does not appear to justify termination. For crying out loud, are these adults we're talking about, or 5-year-olds? ...Nevermind, don't answer that.
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#5
11-08-2009, 03:05 PM
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Quote:
__________________
"The ocean will take care of this [BP oil leak] on its own if it was left alone and left out there. It's natural. It's as natural as the ocean water is." - Rush Limbaugh "I could give a flying crap about the political process...We're an entertainment company." - Glenn Beck
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#6
11-08-2009, 03:06 PM
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This article has left me wondering what else is going on. Why did Vidala feel that he was deliberately goaded? Was he? In which case shouldn't some disciplinary action be taken against the other person.
Or was he bringing his Christian views into the workplace, and preaching to people? In which case, yes he was set up, but he fell into the trap quite nicely. There is way too little information in this article to make any kind of judgement on the case. Anrol PS. There have been plenty of "poor persecuted Christian articles". Every time I read one, I want to know more about what is going on. And when the more comes out, I am left feeling that the Christian concerned did something unwise, that contributed to the mess they eventually themselves in. I am not saying they are wholey to blame, although in some cases they are. It is just when the more comes out, you find the Christian did something stupid, that others capitalised on. So I await the more, to find out if this person was victim, or whether he did something unwise, that caused his downfall. By unwise, I mean do more than make a comment on someone's personal life
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#7
11-08-2009, 03:06 PM
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Its the NWO, courtesy the Democratic Party in the US and New labour in the UK.
In the NWO you CANNOT criticise gays, Islams or feminists otherwise you'll lose your job or eventually be imprisoned.
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#8
11-08-2009, 03:06 PM
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I kinda doubt a through investigation was conducted since Mr. Vidala claimed to be totally suprised by the termination notice. Therefore, Brookstone did not even bother to acquire Vidala's side of the story. And yeah, he should have filed harassment charges agianst her, but considering it's Massachusetts, I doubt if anything would have come of it.
I guess I'm done shopping at Brookstone. Actually, I've never bought anything from them but they do send me a catalog. From now on, that catalog will be filed in the cirucular file as soon as it hits the door.
__________________
Needs more cowbell. Whenever God closes one door, He always opens another even though sometimes it's hell in the hallway. "The Constitution only gives people the right to persue happiness. You have to catch it yourself." --Benjamin Franklin
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#9
11-08-2009, 03:36 PM
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It would be more effective to mail it back to them with a letter of explanation and a request to be taken off of their mailing list.
__________________
If we ever forget that we're one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under... Ronald Reagan 
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#10
11-08-2009, 03:45 PM
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Either this woman was looking for approval in her new legal "marriage" or she was attempting to initiate/instigate a confrontation due to knowing this young person's beliefs. I think it's quite clearly the latter and most gays are more than aware of the disapproval of co-workers.
But since we're having the gay agenda jammed down our throats through the courts and by this administration, we have to continue to choke on their flaunting it in the face of any who would dare to challenge them. When the revolution finally comes they would be well advised to stay hunkered down and quiet. I suspect that the court system will not be in any condition or mood for their leftist nonsense while the country is being put back together.
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#11
11-08-2009, 03:56 PM
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If it was a heterosexual female bringing up her new marriage four times then nothing would have been said. Why can't people just live and let others live. While being a catholic, I do not support gay marriage, but I don't care if they choose to live that way. They are the ones that have to answer for it in the end.
__________________
"The problem with the civilian world is nobody is in F'king charge"...my Dad A Pirate born 300 years too late
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#12
11-08-2009, 04:16 PM
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#13
11-08-2009, 04:21 PM
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I believe it is an "at will" state. And if you are still in the probationary period...and want to keep your job....keep your mouth shut about everything.
__________________
Chekhov said, "Any idiot can face a crisis; it is this day-to-day living that wears you out."
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#14
11-08-2009, 04:28 PM
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I don't care what ya'll say. He should have said to her, "No offense intended, but TMI. Please keep your personal life to yourself." I get tired of the homosexual agenda being shoved down our throats. If you talk about your "partner" then I know you're homosexual--the first time you say it--you don't have to give me the gory details. What would you do if I insisted on telling you the details of my sex life? Claim harassment?
Keep your sex life to yourself and I'll keep mine to myself. If you refuse, you just may find yourself in front of our boss and HE can tell you to shut up.
__________________
undocumented worker = illegal alien = invader
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#15
11-08-2009, 06:08 PM
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I agree that there's not a lot of info here.....
But why is it illegal to mention your wedding at work? Or that you just got married? She wouldn't have had to say she was gay. She would have said "my new wife" or something, and the dweeb would have known from that since the coworker was female. In any case....it doesn't sound as if she was "pushing any lifestyle" at all. Just mentioning that she was recently married. Nothing wrong with that. He could have nodded - which is very noncommital - and gone on about his business. "Yeah, you've mentioned your wedding before," might also have gotten the point across to the coworker that he knew about her wedding and she didn't need to remind him again that she was married. This dude, on the other hand, says he went to pray and then came back and deliberately got in her face. Sounds more as if HE had an "agenda" to push. That's just DUMB. He shouldn't be surprised that he got fired.
__________________
I'm not crazy. I've just been in a very bad mood for 40 years. You're not famous until someone says they put you on ignore If there's a bright center to the universe, we're on the planet that it's farthest from.
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#17
11-08-2009, 07:24 PM
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and the investigation needs to contain information on the replacement hire.
Straight, Gay, transgendered, Bi-sexual, qualified stranger hired by resume or friend of a friend. IF not a straight male and a stranger, and the manager had any input into selection, this could be a large lawsuit.
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#19
11-08-2009, 07:31 PM
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IIRC she had followed him around the work place and brought it up to him four times (got that from other coverage elsewhere which I read a couple of days ago, sorry, don"t have a link), sounds like SHE had an agenda to push. If she knew or suspected he was going to have a problem with it, and if she did follow him around the work place she was goading him into a response, very likely with the hope of being able to report him and get him punished or fired.
And people do things like that.
__________________
"You're not living in the story the world tells you you're living in. The story is not about the Clash of Civilizations, the March of Progress, the American Dream, the Rise of Civilization or the Struggle of Race, Class, and Gender. It's about the triumph of Jesus Christ in rescuing us from this passing world and bringing us into eternal ecstasy and perfection."---Mark Shea
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#20
11-08-2009, 07:40 PM
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The man was fired because he BROKE THE LAW in Massachusetts. Good. It's nice to know that there is somewhere in this country where there are consequences for having head up the butt in your face syndrome.
__________________
Do not follow where the path may lead -- Go instead, where there is no path, and leave a trail...rwe Blazin me own trail
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#21
11-08-2009, 07:59 PM
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It does seem strange, however, that she would find it necessary to mention her rather peculiar arrangement no less than four times in the span of a short conversation. It's almost as if she was working under some ulterior pretext, such as gathering evidence for a termination for cause.
__________________
 The Obama Administration constitutes a pseudocompentocracy, i.e., rule by those whose primary skill is in feigning competence.
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#22
11-08-2009, 08:01 PM
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I live in an "at will" employment state as well... as long as its not specifically discrimination, you can be fired for any reason, even the boss not liking your shoes or no reason given at all. Literally no reason required.
If youre in an employment at will state, no union,etc you just have to learn to not annoy anyone in any way, especially if you're easily replacable or in a no special skills position. Myself, I take jobs I'm over qualified for, make myself important enough and help make my employer more money, so that its cheaper to put up with me than fire me, or even cheaper to get rid of someone who is bothered by me, just so I can be sure of keeping my job. Once I become very difficult to replace, only then will I allow my personal opinions to be known, that I despise everyone in general and make it clear that I dont want to talk to you unless its very important to performing my job or you performing yours in a way that benefits me. Point being: If you work in a state where no reason is needed to terminate you, not only do you make sure there is no reason to terminate you, but give them a reason that they shouldnt terminate you.
__________________
"There is just no time to parade around sulking, I would rather laugh than cry."
[...] "If life makes you scared and bitter, at least its not for very long."
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#23
11-08-2009, 08:04 PM
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Quote:
__________________
Do not follow where the path may lead -- Go instead, where there is no path, and leave a trail...rwe Blazin me own trail
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#24
11-08-2009, 08:22 PM
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I think they were both at fault. The girl was obviously goading him and he got caught up in his Christian beliefs. They both need to grow up and shut up.
RD
__________________
You broke into the wrong rec room.
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#25
11-08-2009, 08:38 PM
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She brought it up 4 times, she was looking for a response, she just didn't like what she heard.
Damn country has just gotten way to PC if ya ask me. I spent some time in HR last year, now have a letter in my folder because I referred to someone as "the picket line crosser" (was trying to be PC) I didn't say it to her face as in name calling, but as an answer to someones question. Got to watch what ya say in today's workplace, 20 years ago it wouldn't be an issue, now they can... and will fire you......
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#26
11-08-2009, 09:10 PM
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I can vouch for what Sligo says.
Brides can be terribly self-centered. I'm a moderator on a wedding board, and the number of brides (and grooms) who come on their screaming that it's "Myyyy dayyyy!!!" (no) and anything goes (no) in the name of The Perfect Wedding is unbelievable. I've seen it all...brides who kick people out of their wedding parties for refusing to pierce their ears, color their hair, spend a thousand bucks on a bridesmaid's dress that they'll only wear once, and worse. Then they wonder why they have no friends left after their One Perfect Day. All they talk about is wedding, wedding, wedding. There is a board especially for same-sex couples, and it's no difference. Bride-groom, groom-groom, bride-bride.....they're all equally obsessed.
__________________
I'm not crazy. I've just been in a very bad mood for 40 years. You're not famous until someone says they put you on ignore If there's a bright center to the universe, we're on the planet that it's farthest from.
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#27
11-08-2009, 09:12 PM
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I think we also both agree that there is something radically wrong in the metal wiring of any Individual "A," (such as the one in the opening article) who would ask mere bystanders in public to obsess over and glowingly comment on the relatively trivial fact that Individual "A" is married to anyone, irrespective of the sexual orientation of any of the parties to the arrangement to which Individual "A" is calling attention.
__________________
The Obama Administration constitutes a pseudocompentocracy, i.e., rule by those whose primary skill is in feigning competence.
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#28
11-08-2009, 09:14 PM
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Oilpatch, as I said, maybe she never mentioned that at all. It would only have been necessary for a female to use the words "my wife and I" and the guy would know they were a same-sex couple. That's enough to send some people into a frenzy.
__________________
I'm not crazy. I've just been in a very bad mood for 40 years. You're not famous until someone says they put you on ignore If there's a bright center to the universe, we're on the planet that it's farthest from.
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#29
11-08-2009, 10:06 PM
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It's simply amazing to me that some think this kind of thing is ok.
 Society has sure degenerated since homo scum hasn't yet been forced back into the closet where they belong. God nuked S and G for this kind of crap. I expect that the blessing God gave this country, which created greatest nation in mankind's history, to no long be offered. I also expect that when TEOTWAWKI happens there will be a societal...er...re-balancing.
__________________
Always go the last mile, the last bullet, the last breath. A Traderism.
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#30
11-08-2009, 10:10 PM
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Can't do much investigating, the guy was there for what 3 weeks? 90 days, keep your head down and shut up in this economy. I know people who were fired because they farted too much. The lawyers looked at it, felt that this guy would be a long term liability and let him go.
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#31
11-08-2009, 10:22 PM
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As it happens, it appears that she mentioned it four times, even when once would have been more than enough. Perhaps something like this:
Such is the terminated employee's claim, anyway, as set forth in the article, which is the best evidence we have at the moment. (For the record, I do not claim that the terminated employee characterized any of the references to the other party's same-sex marriage in the manner outlined above. The clever vignettes above are supplied by The Humble Hand to illustrate the sheer absurdity of the whole proposition.)  While others may differ, I still maintain that it is rather unusual to mention the fact that one is married to a same-sex partner more than once in any one brief conversation.
__________________
The Obama Administration constitutes a pseudocompentocracy, i.e., rule by those whose primary skill is in feigning competence.
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#32
11-08-2009, 10:25 PM
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Ya know, on looking at this again, maybe it would be useful if he is able to claim this or that and get back job (although the fuss might just be so he can claim unemployment, as here if I understand, you cant claim it if you were fired, only laid off).
Maybe I can then have protection against being fired for telling people they offend me, annoy me, or that what they are doing is evil or immoral. And, to be honest, most people at work manage to annoy me, interfere with my work wanting to talk or doing things disruptive like being loud, wearing scents, goof off in a way that delays my work,etc. Right now, I have to make management see me as doing a great job for a big discount, so that its cheaper to put up with me than replace me with 2 people who probably still wont perform the same as me together or as precisely. But no matter how good you are, you cant walk in and in a few days start making noise. Con above said it pretty clearly. Shut up and youll keep your job longer, right now consider it a blessing to even have a shot at a job.
__________________
"There is just no time to parade around sulking, I would rather laugh than cry."
[...] "If life makes you scared and bitter, at least its not for very long."
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#33
11-09-2009, 10:27 AM
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Quote:
__________________
Needs more cowbell. Whenever God closes one door, He always opens another even though sometimes it's hell in the hallway. "The Constitution only gives people the right to persue happiness. You have to catch it yourself." --Benjamin Franklin
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#34
11-09-2009, 12:10 PM
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This is one of many situations where it becomes so clear just how twisted our legal system has become. She should have been fired for harassing the employee. I wouldn't want to work for a company that rewards such unprofessional behavior.
I have seen this happen over and over in the workplace. "Special" people get "Special" treatment. It demoralizes the whole work force. Our first affirmative action president illustrates this so well. His color is his primary skill set. Gaping inconsistences are overlooked because of it. Glaring errors and mistakes are overlooked because of it. Dare you criticize, you are labelled a racist. Well, I am having none of it. Our fooking President is a marxist and fascist. This supervisor was a loud mouth abrasive asshole with an agenda to push. Both should be fired.
__________________
 Go to Church. Pray."Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him. As smoke is driven away, so drive them away: as wax melteth before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God. But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice" ....Psalm 68
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#35
11-09-2009, 12:21 PM
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My response would have been:
"I'm happy for you, but I personally don't feel that homosexual marriage is 'right'." While I appreciate your position, I would rather not hear any more about it. Thank you." 'Nuf said. It always seems to be the "fundies" that go and "pray" for awhile, before launching into a moralistic (mini?) rant. Most everyone on TB knows that I feel homosexuality is morally wrong. That being said, I 100% support their equal rights under the law. (As long as "hit squads" of gays don't come looking to 'recruit' me...  )
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#36
11-09-2009, 12:31 PM
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Proper response is "I'm glad your happy" and then walk away.
Work is kinda like your parents place. Your old man says to you as long as you live in my house your gonna live by my rules. This isn't a democracy, I'm in charge. Keep your mouth shut.
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#37
11-09-2009, 12:36 PM
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And if the store is a private business, they may hire and fire who they want.
__________________
There is no spoon
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#38
11-09-2009, 12:50 PM
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RD
__________________
You broke into the wrong rec room.
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#40
11-09-2009, 03:15 PM
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My response would have been:
"I'm happy for you, but I personally don't feel that homosexual marriage is 'right'." While I appreciate your position, I would rather not hear any more about it. Thank you." 'Nuf said." And the minute you uttered the words, "I personally don't feel that homosexual marriage is "right'", you would have committed a firing offense. In the current climate if you indicate in any way at all that homosexuality is not the be-all and end-all of human existence, you will be punished.
__________________
"You're not living in the story the world tells you you're living in. The story is not about the Clash of Civilizations, the March of Progress, the American Dream, the Rise of Civilization or the Struggle of Race, Class, and Gender. It's about the triumph of Jesus Christ in rescuing us from this passing world and bringing us into eternal ecstasy and perfection."---Mark Shea
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