Lesbian Loses Lawsuit Against Nordstorm

A $500,000 damage suit filed by a former Nordstrom employee who said she was denied promotions because she is a lesbian was rejected Friday by a King County Superior Court jury.

The panel deliberated more than five hours before rejecting the claims of Janice Grounds, who said she was forced to quit by being passed over repeatedly for advancement.

Her lawyer, Shelley M. Kostrinsky, said she might appeal. Grounds now owns a coffee shop in Tigard, Ore.