SAN DIEGO — One of four San Diego firefighters suing the city over being forced to ride a fire engine in last year’s gay parade did not have to answer questions about his Playboy magazines while on the witness stand Wednesday.
“Questions pertaining to John Ghiotto’s Playboy magazines is denied — defendants have failed to show that questions concerning the (magazines) are directly relevant to the issues or defenses raised in this case,” San Diego Superior Court Judge Michael Anello wrote in a ruling.
City Attorney Mike Aguirre argued before the trial — and again during a break Wednesday — that the magazines were at the station Ghiotto was assigned to, and viewed by at least one other defendant. The judge ruled the magazines could not be introduced as evidence and any related questions could not be raised before the jury.
“The evidence sought does not appear essential to determining the truth of the matters in dispute,” Anello’s ruling said. “The defendants have not shown a compelling reason to overcome the plaintiff’s right of privacy.” A station house is considered home because firefighters eat and sleep there.
The four firefighters — Ghiotto, Alex Kane, Chad Allison and Capt. Jason Hewitt — are alleging they were sexually harassed during the parade and mistreated at work after filing complaints.
Aguirre has argued they weren’t harassed and has said they’re opposed to the gay lifestyle.
The trial is in its second week and resumes Monday, when the plaintiffs are expected to rest.