FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 21, 2001

MCAD Issues Probable Cause Ruling

Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination Issues Probable Cause Ruling

(Boston, MA)  The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (the MCAD) has issued a ruling finding probable cause that a Mendon, MA moving company violated Massachusetts law when it refused to provide moving services to a mother and her son with AIDS.  The case, which was filed at the MCAD in September, 1999, names as respondents the A#1 Affordable Relocation Systems & 3-D Antiques and its owners Donna Grasseschi, Diane Deschene, and Debra Hicks.  Also named, is Fred Grasseschi, the mover on site who refused services.

The Complainant, who by order of the MCAD, is proceeding in the suit under the name Jane Doe, hired A#1 Affordable Relocation Systems to move her and her son from their home in Whitinsville, MA.  On July 15, 1999, four men from the moving company arrived at her home.  Shortly after, the men learned that Ms. Doe’s son, who was in the upstairs bedroom, had AIDS.  Subsequently, the movers refused to remove any belongings simply because her son had AIDS.

Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD), a Boston-based public interest law firm, represents Ms. Doe.  According to GLAD attorney Bennett H. Klein, “We are now twenty years into this epidemic and this case shows us the extent to which people still have fundamental misperceptions about HIV and AIDS.  In fact, a recent survey released last December by the federal government found that 40.20f respondents believed that HIV could be transmitted by a cough or sneeze.”  Added Klein, “These continued misperceptions about HIV are one reason we are still seeing significant discrimination in employment, housing, business services, and health care.”

Ms. Doe, whose son died three weeks after the refusal of services by the moving company, stated:  “I am very gratified by the MCAD’s probable cause ruling.  I filed this case because it was one of my son’s last wishes to fight the discrimination we experienced.  Ignorance about HIV is still all too common.”

Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) is New England’s leading legal organization for lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender individuals and people with HIV.