In Other News

This Saturday, December 20, marriage equality activists (this means
you!) are gathering at Pioneer Courthouse Square for part two of the
post-Prop 8 counter-protest. Following up on a rally in the
South Park Blocks on November 15, organizer Lindsey Asher says this
weekend’s candlelight vigil is meant to mourn the loss of same-sex
marriage rights in California. Cities around the country are also
slated to host vigils. It’ll be cold, so bundle up. Bonus: Asher has
convinced Peet’s Coffee to supply hot beverages. Bring your own candle,
and meet up at 5 pm! AJR

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Two new excessive force lawsuits were filed against the Portland
Police Bureau on Thursday, December 11, related to Taser
use. The first, filed by Hung Minh Tran, relates to an incident
covered by the Mercury earlier this year, when a cop allegedly
Tasered Tran twice, then lied on the stand about the details in court
[“Taser Eraser,” News, Sept 4]. Tran is seeking over $100,000 in
damages. The second, filed by Christophe Clay against Police
Officer John Hughes and the City of Portland, alleges Clay was Tasered
twice while he was on his knees with his hands behind his head.

Depositions also recently took place in Michelle Schreiner’s
December 2007 lawsuit against Gresham police. Schreiner, a
diabetic, was Tasered by the cops in Gresham after they were called out
to assist her in the middle of a diabetic seizure. She had a
needle in her hand full of insulin, and when the cops couldn’t get her
to drop it, they allegedly Tasered her.

“The outrageous thing in this case is that this was a call for
medical assistance and to help, the police whip out a Taser and
electrocute her with 50,000 volts. This is just not very
helpful,” says Schreiner’s attorney, Beth Creighton. MD