Gay Insults Cost Employer Big Money

Action Media, an Auckland publishing company was ordered to pay $7,000 to an employee who was teased about his sexuality.

Jason Cunningham had worked at Action Media for only one month before he resigned back on September 10, 2007.

He had given the employer four weeks notice, but was suspended only four days later. An investigation disclosed that Sean Mitchell, his supervisor, had made several derogatory comments about Mr. Cunningham’s sexual orientation.

Mitchell had taunted Cunningham by mimicking his partner, after his partner left a voice message at the office.  He also made several references to Mr. Cunningham’s mannerisms to others in the office.

A report also stated that Mr. Mitchell offered to help Cunningham find work at a gay newspaper or magazine after he turned in his resignation.