Lesbian Trucker Loses Lawsuit

A truck driver who accused her employer of firing her because she was a lesbian has lost her case in court.

Eleanor Feldman, 52, of Maui, had sought $700,000 in damages from Rockwell Power Systems Inc. Her attorney said she endured daily derogatory comments and hostile working conditions that violated civil rights laws.

Last week, Judge E. John McConnell dismissed the claims, ruling there was no evidence presented that showed anti-lesbian or anti-woman bias.

In the trial, Feldman testified that she never heard any derogatory comments directly, but was told about them by fellow workers. One Rockwell worker testified about hearing a remark, but didn’t remember what exactly was said or who said it.

Feldman’s supervisor at Rockwell said she was let go in 1995 because she failed to follow orders and safety codes - allegations Feldman denied.