Source: Seattle Post-Intelligencer Big Blog
Claiming that the goal of the team that runs the publicly-financed ballpark "is to foster an atmosphere at Safeco Field that is welcoming to all fans," Seattle Mariners officials have decided that their staff "acted appropriately" when ushers asked a lesbian couple to "tone it down" when they were seen kissing.

The Mariners again insisted that the interaction between the couple was more than the "peck" that the couple and their friends described in initial reports.

"[T]wo experienced staff members observed the couple's actions and described the behavior as more than a casual kiss, but rather as 'making out,' 'fondling,' and 'groping.'"

The Seattle PI's Big Blog, which has pushed the story along since it was first reported by KOMO4 prints the official letter from the Mariners.

But the story also made it onto the PI's paper pages with a column last Saturday by Robert Jamieson, Jr.

He added a telling detail to the second-hand recountings of the situation:

"Because you've been making out the whole time," Guerrero recalled the usher telling them. "A woman complained that she and her child saw you two."

Guerrero, a cocktail waitress who lives in Seattle, said the man added, "There's children in the crowd. It's not fair for parents to have to explain to their kids why two women are kissing."

"With those words," Jamieson argued, "the usher crossed the line.

"Instead of sticking to printed stadium policy, the usher freelanced and made it seem as if Safeco Field and the Mariners endorse a prejudiced point of view. They don't."

Responding to Jamieson, Mariners spokesperson Rebecca Hale insisted, as she has all along, that stadium staff were responding only to behavior and not to the sexual orientation. But, of course, the usher's reported statement -- even if he was, as team officials insist, only repeating what a complaining ticket-holder had said to him -- indicates that his actions it wasn't just behavior that was the problem here.

Jamieson:

Regardless of whether the usher was sharing his personal thoughts or relaying the views of the mom riled up by women kissing, he ended up sending the wrong message: that gays or lesbians who show any public affection deserve to be singled out.

The right thing for the Mariners to do is tell these women: We're sorry. We apologize for ruining the game experience. We apologize for making you feel humiliated and ashamed.

But they've decided not to do the right thing, and have, instead retreated into full defensive mode, complaining that the team has been treated unfairly.

"It is unfortunate that the actions and motives of our staff have been portrayed as discriminatory," Hale wrote. "To be certain that everyone understands this policy and the need to respect all fans, we have reaffirmed this policy with all Safeco Field staff."

Full article: Mariners: Staff was right to bust lesbian couple | Seattle PI Big Blog