David Hill, former director of human resources for ARTE' Hotel in Brentwood, said that he was "dared" to sue after being told the decision by owner Tarun Surti to terminate his employment on January 8 was specifically on the basis of his sexual orientation; assistant general manager Leonard Stoddard confirmed it to the press.

"The owner, Mr. Surti, comes from a culture that is not very tolerant to the gay lifestyle," Stoddard, who was ordered to dismiss Hill, told WSMV-TV, "and therefore he felt it necessary to have him removed from the workforce at the property."

Stoddard, also openly gay, has since been given his walking papers, Out & About reported. "I am here in the office and shocked to hear what you had said to the media," Surti e-mailed Stoddard. "If it is true that you told media that David was fired because he is gay, you obviously told them a lie. Such behavior is subject to immediate termination and I would like you to restrain (sic) from coming to the hotel."

It is alleged by Hill and Stoddard that a former employee fired for being gay sent a letter to Surti outing Hill and Stoddard. Surti countered to Out & About that troubling economic times prompted a "scaling down" of his workforce. Hill told Pam's House Blend that while he has filed complaints with the EEOC and Department of Labor, he and the hotel are both bankrupt. Surti has claimed in court that his recent staff cuts, down to 50 from 140, will allow the business to once again become viable.

A demonstration is planned outside the hotel, at 760 Old Hickory Blvd. in Brentwood, on Saturday, January 17, starting at 9am.