MARYLAND
Derrick Hunter sues Maryland Small Arms Range over 'Ladies' Day" promotion
A Maryland man has filed a lawsuit against an area gun range claiming "reverse sexism."
Derrick Hunter says he had to pay to fire off a few rounds at the Maryland Small Arms Range in Upper Marlboro one Monday last year. But because it was "Ladies' Day," women there did not.
"Just because I'm a man doesn't mean I should have to pay more," Hunter said.
Hunter filed a lawsuit for $200,000 with his attorney, Jimmy Bell. Hunter is a special police officer and came to the range to practice shooting.
Bell explained, "They told him he had to pay $15. He said, 'Fine.' He paid the money."
"Two ladies came up behind me. He told them they were free, so I asked him..., 'Why did I have to pay to use the range and they didn't?'," Hunter recalled. "He said, 'Because they're women, and you don't fit the criteria.'"
Hunter complained to the Prince George's Human Relations Commission, who agreed the range was breaking the law.
Maryland Small Arms Range, Inc. President Carl Roy says if what he's doing is illegal, then so are discounts for seniors, children and the military.
"I don't see anything discriminatory about it. It's a promotion that we run, just as any other business is entitled to run a promotion," Roy added.
First-time shooting range user Nautical Brown says "Ladies' Day" makes her more likely to come back.
Brown said, "Especially if I can get in for free, of course, yeah."
Some guys are fine with that.
"Guys are going to pay to go where the ladies are, so if they get in for free that's going to influence us to come out," Tim Goode, a customer of the gun range, said,
Bell countered, "If they made him pay more money because he was black, would you still have that way of looking at it?"
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