AG FILES CIVIL RIGHTS CASE IN PORTLAND ANTI-GAY ASSAULT

February 4, 2004

FEBRUARY 4, 2004

JERRY REID, ASSISTANT ATTORNEY GENERAL, (207) 626-8545

 

            Attorney General Steven Rowe today announced that his office has filed a civil enforcement action under the Maine Civil Rights Act against Joshua R. Nisbet, of South Portland.  The Attorney General’s complaint, filed in Cumberland County Superior Court, alleges that Nisbet assaulted two Cumberland County men because of a bias against their perceived sexual orientation.  On October 3, 2003, the victims were walking along the sidewalk on Pine Street in Portland near Blackstone’s, a bar that caters to the gay community.  A car operated by Nisbet pulled up alongside the two men, and a front seat passenger asked them if they had a “light.”  The Complaint alleges that Nisbet and his passenger then got out of the car, yelled an anti-gay slur at the victims and assaulted the two men, striking them in their faces.

The Attorney General’s complaint seeks a restraining order against Nisbet.  The Complaint was referred to the Attorney General’s Office by the Portland Police Department.

            Attorney General Rowe said, “This conduct is disturbing, offensive, and illegal.  Maine people will not stand for bias-motivated violence.”

            Attorney General Rowe expressed his appreciation for the investigation conducted by the Portland Police Department in this matter.  

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