Mar 20 2008
Philly says “Speak English” sign at Geno’s is OK
An end to the saga of Geno’s in Philedelphia that I blogged on back in 2006.
‘Speak English’ Signs OK at Philly Shop
The owner of a famous cheesesteak shop did not discriminate when he posted signs asking customers to speak English, a city panel ruled Wednesday.
In a 2-1 vote, a Commission on Human Relations panel found that two signs at Geno’s Steaks telling customers, “This is America: WHEN ORDERING ‘PLEASE SPEAK ENGLISH,’” do not violate the city’s Fair Practices Ordinance.
…
Commissioners Roxanne E. Covington and Burt Siegel voted to dismiss the complaint, finding that the sign does not communicate that business will be “refused, withheld or denied.”
In a dissenting opinion, Commissioner Joseph J. Centeno said he thought the signs did discourage some customers.
Score one for common sense. Congrats to Joe. Now, hopefully, some nutbag doesn’t file a civil suit for getting his feelings bruised.
Previously:
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4 Responses to “Philly says “Speak English” sign at Geno’s is OK”
The man is completely within his rights to ask customers to speak English. It shows the level of complete stupidity to which we have fallen, when that kind of sign is brought into question at all.
As far as I’m concerned, he has the right to not serve anyone, for any reason he wants. If he doesn’t like red hair, he could refuse to serve me; and while I might not be happy about it, I will always defend his right to refuse service.
It’s a private business, so the government has no business sticking its nose in for any reason, except to ensure that he meets the health codes for the protection of his customers.
You seriously need help. Educate yourself.
Shelli,
Do you have a problem with personal rights? Maybe an education on your part is in order. He owns a business and last time I checked he has a right to decide who he serves.
Last time I checked, non-english speaking people are not a “protected class.” Of course new ones are being added every day. Pretty soon we’ll all be special.
When I travel to a foreign country I try to respect their culture and language by learning about it prior to travel and when in country try to adhear to local custom and even use their language at a basic level.
I am going to guess that MOST of the non-english types that are looking to get a sandwich at Geno’s aren’t tourists.
Shelli - Your comment, ‘You seriously need help, educate yourself.’ is in the same vein as Geno’s sign. If Geno should be subject to litigation, shouldn’t you? You apparently define Geno’s as a public place and believe that the government should control Geno’s opinion.
Aren’t ‘Leaning Straight Up’ comments also public? Isn’t your comment public? Should you be allowed viewpoint discrimination in your comment?