Virginia store owner Tim Brando declined to dub two documentary films made by a lesbian activist Lilli Vencenz in the late 60s, stating his Christian ideals prevent him from becoming in any way involved in what he called the “gay agenda.” The documentaries are entitled Gay and Proud and Second Largest Minority. Bobo, the owner of Bono Film and Video, refused service to Vincenz advising her to consult the phone book instead for her dubbing needs.

Bono declined to do business with Vincenz stating that his company was run based on Christian morals and would not duplicate films depicting what he considers obscene or embarrassing. The Bono corporate website states that the company won’t accept “pornography, sexually explicit material, content promoting violence or hate that runs counter to our Christian and ethical values.”

Vincenz has filed a claim with the Arlington County Human Rights commission under the “nondiscrimination” ordinance, which was revised to include matters of sexual orientation. Bono was ordered by the commission in April to “provide the requested duplication service at the complainant’s expense or in the alternative to assist the complainant in locating a suitable facility where this service can be provided at the Bobo Film and Video’s expense.” Bono has filed suit in response against the commission. He has cited a statute entitled Dillon’s Law which prevents local government from implementing nondiscriminatory laws which have not been authorized by the state, as sexual orientation is not defended under Virginia civil rights law. The suit suggests that Bono’s religious rights and freedom of speech have been violated as well.