Friday, August 07, 2009

Polish Woman Fined for Gay Abuse

BBC: A Polish court has banned a woman from publicly using derogatory terms like "queer" or "fag" to describe her young gay neighbour.

A judge in north-west Poland ruled the 44-year-old woman had infringed Ryszard Giersz's dignity by repeatedly verbally abusing him in public.

The woman, identified in court as Anna S, was also ordered to pay Mr Giersz damages of 15,000 zloty (£3,100).

Polish gay rights groups have hailed the case as unprecedented.

An emotional Mr Giersz said he was very happy with Tuesday's verdict, adding that he may use the damages payment to buy a bigger flat away from his neighbour.

"I'm a normal person and I just want to live with my partner in peace," he told journalists after the court hearing. "The last six months have completely knocked us out."

Ms S, who can still appeal against the verdict, maintained her innocence throughout the proceedings, saying that she was, in fact, the victim.

"All the witnesses lied," she was quoted as saying by the Polish daily Gazeta Wyborcza. "This man offended me. He threw things at me from his window. I'm depressed because of this and need treatment." >>> Adam Easton, BBC News, Warsaw | Friday, August 07, 2009

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