A New York City cab driver is learning that hard way that being homophobic in 2018 will cost you a lot.
The man in particular was suspended for 10 days and paid a hefty fine after he refused to drive a man when he learned he was gay.
According to The New York Post, The city’s Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings affirmed a complaint by the Taxi and Limousine Commission that Martin Morrison violated three agency rules – unjustified refusal of service, discourtesy, and performing an act against the best interest of the public.
This stemmed from a situation that took place in the early morning hours of June 13th, when a male and female got into Morrison's cab at the corner of 5th Avenue and East 43rd Street in Manhattan. Morrison then turned to the man after he got in and asked if he was gay.
When he responded that he is, Morrison then said that he doesn't drive gay people and then crossed through the intersection and pulled over. The stunned customers got out of the cab and found another ride.
TLC officials say that the cab driver's behavior goes against the morals of their company. "“The individual’s behavior in this instance was inappropriate and wholly unacceptable, and the penalties are appropriately severe,” said TLC Commissioner Meera Joshi.
Morrison claimed there was a misunderstanding in this, that he never asked anyone if they were gay, and didn't understand why they left the cab. The judges didn't buy what he was selling.
“Here, after repeatedly and discriminatorily confirming that the (complainant’s) friend was gay…respondent indicated that he does not drive gay men,” wrote administrative law judge Fidel Del Valle.
TLC officials confirmed that Morrison already served his 10-day suspension, which included a $1,150 fine, and is back on the road.