ATTORNEY GENERAL FILES CIVIL RIGHTS ENFORCEMENT ACTION AGAINST SPRINGVALE MAN FOR ANTI-GAY ATTACK

October 22, 2002

OCTOBER 22, 2002 SUSAN A. SPARACO, 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 William Livermore, 31, of Springvale. The complaint, filed in York County Superior Court, alleges that Livermore assaulted the victim because he believed that the victim was gay. The alleged attack occurred on March 12, 2002, at a bookstore located on Route 236 in Kittery. The Maine Civil Rights Act prohibits any person from assaulting or threatening another person motivated by reason of sexual orientation, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, gender, or physical or mental disability. The Attorney General's complaint seeks to permanently enjoin Livermore from any further threats or acts of violence, property damage, and trespass against the victim or others motivated by bias. He also faces civil penalties of up to $5,000.

Attorney General Rowe stated: "The Civil Rights Act protects us wherever we are."

Rowe commended the Kittery 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.