Smithfield Chicken CEO accused of sexual harassment
The Associated Press


RALEIGH, N.C. -- A chicken and barbecue chain executive is accused in a lawsuit of sexually harassing a male employee by getting into a shower with him, making suggestive remarks and trying to sit on his lap in a steam room.

Jason C. Hallaman, 36, of Raleigh, sued Smithfield Chicken & Barbeque CEO Gregory Moore and Smithfield Management Corp. last week in Wake County Superior Court. The lawsuit contended that Moore "continuously preyed upon and harassed" Hallaman to engage in sexual acts.


~

Gay groups urge mayor to impose sanctions
By CAMERON McWHIRTER
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution


National and state gay rights advocates say they think Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin is dragging her feet on punishing an eastside Atlanta golf club for discrimination.

After months of silence, the groups are publicly pressing Franklin about Druid Hills Golf Club, which a city commission found in violation of Atlanta's anti-discrimination ordinance on Jan. 12. The club was cited for not providing spousal benefits to partners of gay club members.

"Shirley Franklin is going to have to take a stand and make a decision," said Lee Kyser, the lesbian who, along with Randy New, a gay man, filed a complaint against the club. "And there are going to be consequences for that."

Gay rights groups such as the Human Rights Campaign, the Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund and the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation have sent letters urging the mayor to act. Georgia Equality, the state's largest gay rights organization, also has sent a letter.