| There is a heated dispute going on right now over a sign at Geno's Italian restaurant in Philadelphia which says: 'THIS IS AMERICA-WHEN ORDERING SPEAK IN ENGLISH'. I saw a picture of Geno's front window displaying that sign above another sign which says 'WE RESERVE THE RIGHT NOT TO SERVE ANYONE' Geno's sign has created an uproar among some and legal action apparently is going to be initiated against Geno's. "The Philadelphia Inquirer quoted Mary Catherine Roper, a spokeswoman for the American Civil Liberties Union, who said Geno’s “has a right to express its opinion, however offensive. ... But there are specific limitations on places of public accommodation, because they are supposed to be available to everyone.” A city councilman quoted in the paper said the signs were “divisive and mean-spirited.” http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13272368 / Philly officials eye eatery’s English-only sign City agency expected to file complaint against cheesesteak owner’s effort PHILADELPHIA - City officials are expected to file a complaint Monday against an English-only ordering policy at Geno’s Steaks, one of Philadelphia’s best-known cheesesteak joints that has entered the national immigration debate. Situated in a South Philadelphia immigrant neighborhood, Geno’s has posted small signs telling customers, “This Is AMERICA: WHEN ORDERING ‘SPEAK ENGLISH.’” “We’re alleging that the sign itself is enough of an unwelcoming message that it may violate the Fair Practices Act,” Rachel Lawton, acting executive director of the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations, told the Philadelphia Inquirer. Owner Joseph Vento, 66, whose grandparents struggled to learn English after immigrating from Sicily in the 1920s, said he posted the sign about six months ago amid concerns over immigration reform and the increasing number of customers who could not order in English when they wanted Philly’s gooey, greasy specialty — fried steak, sliced or chopped, in a long roll, with cheese and fried onions. |
"The Right to Refuse Service to Anyone"