ATTORNEY GENERAL FILES CIVIL RIGHTS CASE IN LEWISTON ANTI-GAY THREATS

December 6, 2001

DECEMBER 6, 2001

CONTACT: Christina Moylan, Assistant Attorney General 207-626-8800

Attorney General Steven Rowe today announced that his office has filed a civil enforcement action under the Maine Civil Rights Act against John Dorr, 27, of Auburn, as a result of threats made by Dorr against two Lewiston residents because of their perceived sexual orientation.

The complaint, filed in Androscoggin County Superior Court, alleges that in September of this year Dorr confronted and verbally accosted the two men with graphic and vulgar threats to kill them or otherwise physically harm them. The incident apparently was precipitated by the display of a rainbow flag in an apartment window.

The Attorney General's complaint seeks to permanently enjoin Dorr from any further threats or acts of violence, property damage, or trespass against the victim and others motivated by bias.

Attorney General Rowe stated: "No person in this state should be subject to threats or violence because of prejudice or bias. Our office will work closely with local law enforcement to aggressively enforce the State's civil rights laws."

Attorney General Rowe commended the Lewiston Police Department for its investigation of the incident. The department referred the case to Rowe's office for possible action under the Maine Civil Rights Act.