Jurors deliberated for four days before announcing that they were unable to come to decision regarding the harassment suit of four San Diego firefighters who claimed they were harassed while marching in a gay pride parade. Fire chief Tracy Jarman changed the parade policy to voluntary participation after the suit was announced. The jury remained deadlocked at 8 votes to 4, in favor of the firefighters ? 9 votes are needed to decide a civil case ? and a mistrial was declared. The firefighters and their lawyer remain optimistic about their chances, and are seeking approximately four million dollars in reparations. Firefighter John Ghiotto said the trial wasn?t about the money, and was a win no matter what because they had stood up for what they believed in.
See "Mistrial declared in San Diego firefighters? harassment suit", Tony Perry, Los Angeles Times, October 7, 2008