ROSEVILLE-
Smooching and holding hands may not seem like a big deal, but two men were asked to leave the Westfield Galleria in Roseville, Calif. Saturday for doing just that.
“I kissed him on the cheek. That’s how my boyfriend and I show affection,” said Daniel Chesmore.
Sitting on the couch at 21-year-old Chesmore’s parents’ home in Roseville, he and his boyfriend Jose Guzman, 24, share a few kisses while holding hands.
“This is exactly what we did at the mall on Saturday,” Guzman said.
When a security guard confronted the couple about it at the Galleria, they began recording.
“If you continue to kiss, you will be asked to leave the mall. Period,” the voice on the recording said. “I counted you guys kissing 25 times. I told you before, we contact any couple [...] about this.”
In an undercover investigation, FOX40 spotted dozens of straight couples sitting inside of the Galleria, holding hands and smooching, right out in the open. And as the hours passed, not one couple FOX40 witnessed was asked to leave the mall.
“In a perfect world, there would be no difference in treatment between straight couples and gay couples,” Chesmore said.
Galleria General Manager Eddie Ollmann would not comment in person, but released this written statement, “Persons that violate the Code of Conduct are asked to leave the property.”
FOX40 found nothing in the mall’s code of conduct about public displays of affection.
“It makes me feel like no matter what I do in society, I will always be different.” Chesmore says.
Both he and his boyfriend are tutors in an elementary school in Oakland. Chesmore, a student at U.C. Berkeley and Guzman, a Berkeley graduate. The couple told FOX40 they rarely ever kiss on the lips in public to be considerate to children.
“I feel like we’re always treated differently because we’re gay. It makes me sad.” Guzman said.
52 Comments to “Gay Couple Asked to Leave Mall for Holding Hands, Kissing”
March 4, 2013 at 8:53 PM
I will never visit the pretentious place again. This type of bigotry is wrong and should not be tolerated.
March 4, 2013 at 9:04 PM
You only heard one side of the story. Considering this place gives the city millions and millions in taxes (equate 5 to 7 million in taxes as about 8% of their actual revenue) alone, be sure you and your $200 won't be missed. That means there is one less idiot in my way as I walk my laps and enjoy the relatively crime free place. Be gone!
March 4, 2013 at 10:24 PM
Sounds as if you, like the rest of sun city roseville, go to the mall to walk and window shop. Purchasing a coffee from Micky d’s isn’t really contributing to the profits of the Galleria either. I think Westfield should be more worried about their establishments in more forward thinking areas (San Francisco, perhaps?) when their hypocrisy and homophobia make statewide news. Be gone, single-called organism.
March 4, 2013 at 10:38 PM
i called you a single CELLED organism. was posting with my phone because your comment was so, well, stupid.
March 5, 2013 at 6:36 AM
They are worried about the environment. That's why they tell people having sex in the middle of the aisle to leave. It's a family environment and they are trying to keep it that way. If they didn't they would have to rename the mall Suzy's. How about taking your head out of your ass and realizing this isn't about gay or straight. It's about right and wrong. Holding hands and pecks on the cheek are just fine. Humping each other into oblivion is not. So what if I live in Sun City in a nice house in a gated retirement community. I was raised on ethics which translated into hard, NON UNION, work where I scraped out a living for 42 years, saved every penny I could, invested and managed my money so I could have this house in this gated community. I walk most every day there and those people do everything they can to keep it a family oriented place and you guys crap on security at the drop of a dime when you only have 1 side of the story. By the way…most of retirement doesn't go to my house…it goes to the place I enjoy being…that mall. Those that judge by a single side of a story and whether the people involved are the latest fad cause are truly blind and ignorant. Get both sides of the story before you pass judgement, that is the truly ethical thing to do.
March 5, 2013 at 1:01 AM
There's no sadder sight than the willfully ignorant, like this gentleman here.
March 4, 2013 at 8:57 PM
Really. That’s it. I’m officially boycotting the mall. Judge others much?
March 4, 2013 at 9:32 PM
You're one to talk. You just judged an entire work place in 11 words. I walk at this mall daily and have met many of the security guards and find all of them pleasant. I see them talk to many couples, 19/20 heterosexual, making out. They are friendly about it and ask that they stop then walk away. They only kick out if there is an attitude from the couple or they talk to them more than once. I was there Saturday as a matter of fact and saw these 2 guys making out like they were hungry for each other. They even admit doing it 25 times in a short period. Where does personal responsibility come in to play here? How about pure common decency? I was raised to respect those around me out in public. Did they do that? NO! They chowed on each others tongues and handled each other like they were blind reading a braille book. I called security about myself. Apparently they got the call. Boycott the mall, their multi-million dollar establishment wont miss you and neither will this walker.
March 4, 2013 at 10:31 PM
I am truly amazed that the Galleria had the nerve to ask this couple to leave…they are a loving affectionate couple. I will reconsieder going to this mall again. What amazes me more is a couple of years ago a young man (Mr. Piggee) torched an entire portion of the Galleria…where was security then? Absolutely shocked.
March 4, 2013 at 10:36 PM
This Fox station should report on conservative issues. Not Liberal issues the “The Drive By Media” reports. I, an Indepentant Voter, and voters like me, prefer to get the news those stations won’t report.
March 4, 2013 at 10:42 PM
It sounds like you're a neoconservative voter posing as an independent voter.
March 4, 2013 at 10:46 PM
learning to spell 'independent' would be a great start.
March 4, 2013 at 11:14 PM
Look at the kettle call the cat black, this is a conservative station. There should be a liberal station awaiting you.
March 4, 2013 at 11:41 PM
don't be so thick. surely you're not as ignorant as you seem to be. then again, this is sacramento; the potential to amaze me seems to have no bounds.
March 5, 2013 at 4:55 AM
A broad range of sources requires each station to stand behind what they believe and stand for. ABC, NBC, & CBS DARE NOT REPORT, NOR INVESTIGATE on a conservtive matter. When I want to view the obscure then I know where to find it. Hopefully, this station remembers which customers help it pay its bills. To sound the same, only causes fewer interpetations of the real news.
March 5, 2013 at 9:44 AM
so intelligent, you is.
March 5, 2013 at 1:30 AM
A truly informed voter, Independent or otherwise, would not be so upset at this since they'd know to get their news from a wide spectrum of sources instead of simply wanting someone confirm what they already believe.
March 4, 2013 at 10:39 PM
yeah, i would too if your verbal skills are as horrendous as your writing capabilities.
March 4, 2013 at 10:41 PM
Right and rite mean two different things.
March 4, 2013 at 10:56 PM
Go east of the Berkeley Hills and you might as well be in Alabama.
March 4, 2013 at 11:02 PM
WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE! You are no better than anyone else. I am a human being and just because I or someone else is gay gives you no right to judge or treat us any different. It is people like you who make this world such a sick place. We need to stand up and stop supporting these businesses. We have money to spend just like everyone else. We just need to make sure it is spent places that support the community.
(Angry) Why should fox only report conservative issues? Are you afraid of something? Are you afraid that you will learn something?
JR you are ignorant for thinking that kissing or hugging in front of kids is wrong. People showing affection gay, straight or other do not change a child’s sexuality.
You people need to grow up and realize that we are no different than you, and we do not deserve to be treated differently.
March 5, 2013 at 12:19 AM
The thing is that if we just sit around and say nothing we are saying that being a homosexual is alright and that our children should be ok with seeing that type of affection between two men or two women. By doing nothing we are condoning this lifestyle. You can say that I’m judging but I’m not. I don’t need to judge anyone who decides to go against God will be judge by God the only one who matters.
March 5, 2013 at 12:49 AM
First of all, who is "we"? Secondly, nobody asked for your (or your God's) opinion. Lastly, I don't understand why two men displaying their affection is any worse than a teenage couple sticking their tongues down each others' throats in front of your family.
Re-read your scripture, learn some tolerance. I did, and now I'm an atheist.
March 5, 2013 at 1:14 AM
Maybe you should use that head to think as much as you use that mouth to talk.
March 5, 2013 at 1:39 AM
Hey there, please consider these fun facts: 1. Homosexuals are actually okay. Despite what you may think, nature is not on your side on this one. 2. Invoking religion does not strengthen your position
March 5, 2013 at 1:42 AM
Hey there, please consider these fun facts:
ONE: Homos are okay. TWO: Religion in a comment makes you look silly
March 5, 2013 at 4:45 AM
Talking about homosexuals is okay but not religion? Please explain?! Why can’t the views and opinions of everyone be appreciated and respected. I think your comment makes you more ignorant than those that oppose two homosexuals making out in a mall.
March 5, 2013 at 8:48 AM
Here are reasons why: homosexuals are a real thing, and god is, well… you know. Secondly, nobody is preventing you from worshipping your god of choice
March 5, 2013 at 2:01 AM
I’m straight and have.kids….but I often wonder what hateful, judgemental people like you would do should your child one day decide their gay? would you disown them? treat them differently or would you be the parent that judges one so much that your child would rather take his/her own life rather than tell their parent they’re gay?
March 5, 2013 at 2:01 AM
Wow. You friend are astounding. People never cease to amaze me. Why are you going to bring up religion into a HUMAN RIGHTS issue? This is NOT a philosophical issue. It is NOT a religious debate. It is basic human rights violation.
Okay I understand that you want to shelter your children from the very scary world but just remember that you are not the only one living in it. I don’t want my children to see that there is good in this world and people do care about each other either.
Just because you are too self absorbed into your faith and blind to the truth, doesn't mean that you need to lash out at others. I can sit here and argue/debate all day about religion but that will not fix the issue at hand.
March 5, 2013 at 2:34 AM
You just don't get it. I should not matter what your kids see. If two loving people show affection weather it is two men or two women or a man and a women it is all the same. If you see a difference than YES you are judging. What is going to happen to your kids if they see that? Do you think they are going to go oh my maybe I should be come gay? Are you so afraid to tell your kids that no matter who it the person is that love and affection are ok? I pity your kids for not having a healthy upbringing and being taught that everyone is created equal and not to discriminate or treat someone unfair because of sexuality. This would be the same as me teaching my children that you should be looked down on because of your choice to follow whatever religion you belong to. And yes I have children and I am gay. They have grown up in a gay house hold with two men from the ages of 4 and 7 and are now 21 and 25. Both are straight and have no hang ups about who they are or who anyone else is.
March 4, 2013 at 11:14 PM
I've seen much more questionable behavior at the Galleria, including inappropriate groping (in FRONT of security, mind you), and nobody ever says ANYTHING. Guess it's all good as long as they give the mall cops a show.
March 5, 2013 at 12:24 AM
Reading the very few posts on this article. Anonymous, Jafafa whatever, angry, Jr.. I don't want to see you kissing your girlfriend/boyfriend (if you are a guy/girl) if you can't deal with a same sex couple doing so. On top of that, besides this, how about we get all the losers with their underwear and asses out of the mall before we go after public affection. On top of that, the General Manager lied to FOX40. Code of conduct? Um it's called discrimination and it's severely illegal especially in the state of California! Let's look at the statistics going forward with the Supreme Court currently.. Ignorance of anti-gay people is going bye bye! Time to realize people, it's not a choice, it's not about religion, If we go back to the original ways when people came across the boat and were all white. EVERYONE ELSE was prosecuted! COLOR, INDIANS, let's just keep it going. Sad!
March 5, 2013 at 1:10 AM
Please allow me to translate… By 'the way it is meant to be,' this poster really means, 'I have no actual basis for what I believe except for a general feeling of ickiness that I can't get over, unlike real adults."
March 5, 2013 at 1:26 AM
And you would have been wrong.
Do you have kids? I wonder if you'll be around when they realize that their role model willfully stood on the wrong side of history.
March 5, 2013 at 1:55 AM
I’m not gay and I have kids. I think there is a law against harassment, which this was. My kids are taught not to judge, not to be racist or to say things that are hurtful to others. I’m so tired of people throwing religion into the ring…we don’t have the same beliefs, so don’t rub your religion in others faces.
I wonder what would happen if these individuals that choose to judge, even when their religion tells them it’s wrong to judge, would do if their child chose to be gay. What rights would they have then?
March 5, 2013 at 4:29 AM
Good for that mall, I don't go to a mall to see a couple make out, and kissing 25 times is a bit much! And that is then policy for all….they did not single out gay men.
Have some respect for the other shoppers…. and for the record I am a gay man.
James N
March 5, 2013 at 5:42 AM
I’m with you James. I am a gay man also and I wouldn’t condone this type of behavior from a straight couple either. There is a time and a place for everything.
March 5, 2013 at 8:33 AM
Ok I think we can all agree on this, but the issue is that they do not create everyone the same. No one else was tossed out. Many were filmed all day long and no one else was told to leave. As far as kissing 25 times? Why was the guard not doing his job, SECURITY? Did he have not thing better to do than to count how many times someone kissed? Again this goes to the fact that no one else has been removed for kissing or holding hands, and the code of conduct does NOT include displays of public affection as one of the reasons to be kicked out.
March 5, 2013 at 5:12 AM
Fox40 is a Gay Channel… Thats it…
March 5, 2013 at 6:37 AM
The mall was correct, Please, not in front of my kids. Its hard enough for kids to understand the male female relationship, they dont need to be confused at an early stage of their life. Have some understanding for the other side in this never ending debate.
March 5, 2013 at 7:12 AM
if you’re gay, you’re gay. that’s no one else’s business. be happy. people will hate. those are the same people that pretend that racism doesn’t exist. I would say that two gays kissing is the same as a straight couple kissing. there are children present so do that somewhere else.
March 5, 2013 at 7:38 AM
This is a non-story. I was warned by security after kissing my girlfriend on the neck. Be responsible and respectful and no one will bother you. I am not a fan of homosexuality but honestly I don't have time to worry about your choices.
March 5, 2013 at 9:56 AM
Name-calling seems to be the weapon of choice when ignorant fools are cornered, intellectually (seems awfully frequent).
March 5, 2013 at 7:43 AM
This is me, hanging up on you!
This news story made you sick? Poor baby. Your bigoted attitude makes ME sick. Thankfully you're in the minority. Just look at the number of "thumbs down" reactions you've gotten. Good to know that not everyone in the world is as narrow-minded as you.
March 5, 2013 at 8:33 AM
Stop imposing your views on the lives of others. Get over yourself, and learn to live and let live.
March 5, 2013 at 8:39 AM
This is too much. This bigotry, like all bigotry is hateful and disturbing. Galleria just lost me as a customer, and that's a shame for the indpendent stores in that mall. Those stores should band together to insist Roseville Galleria change their behavior and apoplogize to that couple.
March 5, 2013 at 10:02 AM
I'm pretty sure Tninfidel, if someone did something that you felt was discrimination, you'd be pretty upset too.
March 5, 2013 at 9:47 AM
Too bad Darwinism is obsolete in artificial environments.
March 5, 2013 at 10:23 AM
don't you have an episode of teen mom to watch?
March 5, 2013 at 9:49 AM
So, what about people that are homosexual that believe God, who gives them free will, and if "god has a plan for everyone, and created them to be in love with other man, aren't god haters?
You post is also invalid, as this is about Discrimination, not about wither being gay is a sin.
March 5, 2013 at 10:14 AM
I won't be shopping at any Westfield shopping centers or gallerias until they formally apologize and confirm that they will give proper training to their security staff so that this never happens again.