Class-action suit accuses police of discrimination at bus terminal, saying they have falsely arrested people as they seek to increase arrest figures

This article is more than 3 years old

This article is more than 3 years old

Police have been accused of targeting gay men who use the restrooms at New York City’s main bus terminal.

A class-action lawsuit, filed Monday in Manhattan federal court, accuses Port Authority of New York and New Jersey police of engaging in discrimination by falsely arresting men perceived as gay at the Port Authority bus terminal on baseless charges including public lewdness and exposure.

The complaint accuses officers of making targeted arrests on the discriminatory basis of actual or perceived sexual orientation and to boost quality-of-life arrest statistics.

“The PAPD have continued to make such targeted arrests knowing or believing that most of those arrested will ultimately be forced to plead to lesser charges to avoid public embarrassment and humiliation, costly legal fees, and jail sentences, as well as reputational and professional harm associated with the false charges,” the suit said.

The suit was filed by Winston & Strawn LLP and the Legal Aid Society. The plaintiffs are seeking a stop to the practice, as well as compensatory and punitive damages.

“The use of police assets and resources in this unconstitutional and unconscionable way is particularly stunning in light of the world in which we live,” said Thomas Patrick Lane, partner with Winston & Strawn.

The Port Authority declined to comment.