Our client wanted a tattoo of a phoenix to represent his rising from the ashes from his fear over his HIV diagnosis to thriving with HIV. The tattoo shop owner denied our client the service because he is living with HIV. The AIDS Law Project filed a complaint with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission alleging a violation of the state’s anti-discrimination law. We represented BR in a public hearing before the Commission in July, 2024.
On Jan. 29, 2025 the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission issued an order that the tattoo shop discriminated against our client by denying him service and access to commercial property in violation of state law.
The Order provides that the tattoo shop:
- Pay $1,000 to the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission as a civil penalty
- Cease and desist from discriminating against individuals due to their disability.
- Pay Complainant $5,000 as compensatory damages for the embarrassment and humiliation Complainant suffered.