Heartburn at El Paso's Chico's Tacos

Some may recall the incident that occurred in El Paso in late June, where five gay men were ordered to leave a Chico's Tacos restaurant by security guards because two of the men kissed each other. When they refused to leave, the police were called. A rookie officer arrived on the scene and cited a Texas sodomy law that had been struck down in 2003 by the United States Supreme Court.

El Paso actually has an ordinance that brings a $200 fine for discrimination against gays, but it has never been used since its adoption in 2003.

In response to the incident, the city council has fast-tracked a plan to provide pension and health benefits to the same sex partners of city employees. The plan was presented on Thursday and, if approved later this month, which seems highly likely, it would go into effect January 1.

Others in the greater El Paso community have taken to social media to express their disdain for the mistreatment. Since the incident occurred, reviews for Chico's Tacos on Yelp have plummeted to a 1 star rating.

Yvett R. posted "As much as I like going there when I'm in town, I have to say that I find the recent events disgusting and shameful. I feel embarrassed."

Chris A. posted "You're in no position to judge or discriminate anyone who offers business. If I could rate you NO STARS I'd do it..."

While unfortunate, it appears to be an isolated incident, as the city of El Paso has responded in greater ways to show their support for the gay and lesbian community. Negative word of mouth will impact Chico's Tacos far more than a $200 fine, but enforcing the ordinance for the first time may help to solidify El Paso's commitment to the community.

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By Travis Sandoval in News on July 20, 2009 9:04 AM 0 Comments

Comments [rss]

kenneth1

While it's still legal in general for restaurants to refuse service, I believe there are civil rights laws that prohibit businesses from discriminating on the basis of race, ethnicity, sexual preference, etc. (to end the "Whites Only" practices in Jim Crow states). So that's what got Chico's in hot salsa.

Wes

That was the point of my earlier post, Kenneth1. Race, color, religion, national origin, and disabilities are federally protected classes but sexual orientation is not. In most places in this country business owners are within their rights to refuse service to homosexuals.

TheSpiv

"Chris A. posted 'You're in no position to judge or discriminate anyone who offers business. If I could rate you NO STARS I'd do it...'"

What ever happened to the right of a business to refuse service to anyone? I don't agree with them refusing service in this case, however I do think that it's their prerogative to do so...

Grape Ape

I think the statement was more of a "who are you to judge someone else, they are offering you money for your service and I'm not ever eating at your place" kind of statement. He never said they should have had to serve them.

Wes

This is how change happens. Although it isn't illegal to discriminate against gays in this country (local ordinances notwithstanding) people stand up and say "That's not right" when they see it happen. Good for the people of El Paso.