Dec 15, 2007 8:55 am US/Eastern
Geno's Owner Defends 'Speak English' Sign
Featured Slideshows:
PHILADELPHIA (CBS3/AP) ―
The Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations held a public hearing Friday to address a controversial sign at the popular Geno's Steaks that has garnered worldwide attention.
The hearing was scheduled after allegations were made accusing Geno's Steaks of discrimination for posting a sign that reads: "This Is America. When Ordering Speak English."
Geno's owner Joey Vento said it is "free speech" and defended his policy during Friday's hearing.
"This country is a melting pot, but what makes it work is the English language," Vento told the commission during a hearing that lasted more than six hours. "I'm not stupid. I would never put a sign out to hurt my business."
Vento placed the sign outside of his business in October 2005.
"Since we have a little problem in the country with the language, it is also telling people at Geno's Steaks, all we speak is English," Vento said.
Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations (PCHR) does not see it that way and alleges Geno's is in violation of the Philadelphia Fair Practices Ordinance - Chapter 9 Section 9-1105 (A) (1) (b) of The Philadelphia Code.
After extensive publicity over the sign in June 2006, the commission began investigating whether Vento was violating the city's Fair Practices Ordinance. That law prohibits discrimination in employment, public accommodation and housing on the basis of race, ethnicity or sexual orientation.
The commission believes the sign discourages patronage by non-English speaking customers.
"Individuals who operate in a place of public accommodation cannot post signage or express messages that might have the resulting affect of making any group, any ethnicity, and any national origin person feel unwelcome," said Nick Taliaferro, Human Relations Commission.
Philadelphians have varying opinions.
"It doesn't matter. This is America and you can have any kind of take on whatever you want," said customer Andrew Tyson of South Philadelphia.
Amar Vyas of Roxborough disagrees.
"I like the food at Geno's but I believe it is discriminatory towards people of other ethnic backgrounds."
Vento said either way you will be served.
"It's a request. And if you don't speak the language, how's it offensive? You don't understand it anyway."
Vento, along with his supporters and opponents, argued their point at the Arch Street Meeting House on Arch Street.
Paul M. Hummer, an attorney for the commission, said in his closing arguments Friday that the sign is not about political speech. He said the sign was about "intimidation" and that it suggested business from certain individuals was not wanted.
The panel said no ruling was expected for at least two months.
"There's no way I'm backing down," said Vento.
CBS3.com's Most Popular Pages:
Slideshow:
Great Holiday Movies
Slideshow:
Classic Holiday Tunes From The 80's
Slideshow:
Hidden Hobbies Of The Stars
Slideshow:
2007 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show
Slideshow:
2007 Celebrity Deaths
Slideshow:
Openly Gay Celebrities
Slideshow:
'90s TV Stars Then & Now
Slideshow:
Useless Body Parts
Slideshow:
When Not To Hyphenate Your Name
(© 2008 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
