By Nathan Duke
A federal judge has approved a settlement that would not restrict Yankees fans from moving around during the playing of “God Bless America” after a 30-year-old Astoria man was ejected from the baseball team’s park last summer, the New York Civil Liberties Union said.
Bradford Campeau-Laurion of Astoria was forced to leave Yankee Stadium Aug. 26 after he attempted to walk into the bathroom during the playing of the patriotic song. But a federal court judge has ruled that the city must pay Campeau-Laurion $10,000 as part of a settlement, the NYCLU said.
In addition, Yankees fans cannot be restricted from movement during the playing of “God Bless America,” the union said.
“This settlement ensures that the new Yankee Stadium will be a place for baseball, not compelled patriotism,” NYCLU Executive Director Donna Lieberman said.
The union filed its suit against the NYPD, the New York Yankees Partnership and the city in April on the grounds that Campeau-Laurion, who works for a Manhattan media company, was the victim of religious and political discrimination after police officers restrained him and forced him to leave the ballpark after he tried to walk past an officer during the playing of the anthem.
The Yankees began playing “God Bless America” following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, as well as instituting a policy to prevent fans from moving around during the song.
Reach reporter Nathan Duke by e-mail at nduke@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 156.
