Gay Couple's Reported Violation Triggers Galleria 'Kiss-In' Protest

A group of individuals have created a Facebook event encouraging others to hold a "kiss-in" after it was reported that Roseville Galleria officials escorted a gay couple out, allegedly for kissing and holding hands inside the mall.

The "kiss-in," which has already amassed 193 RSVPs, with more than 3,700 invited, decries the mall's actions a violation of equal rights.

"If you have not heard, Galleria security kicked out a gay couple for holding hands and smooching in the mall," the event describes. "This is NOT okay, esp [sic] when several straight couples were not kicked out. Come and stand up for your rights and equality!!!!!!!"

"Let's send a message that we deserve respect!!!!!!"

The event has received a mixed response in its comments section, some seeming to be torn over whether this is the appropriate course of action.

"I just don't want to participate in any protest that will inflame the ppl [sic] around the protest," said one commenter. "What you're protesting is fine, just do not like the method."

The news, which Fox40 reported yesterday alleges that 21-year-old Daniel Chesmore and his boyfriend Jose Guzman, 24, recorded audio of a Roseville Galleria guard asking them to leave for continuously kissing in public.

The guard explains, "Period ... I counted you guys kissing 25 times. I told you before, we contact any couple..."

A Galleria representative told Fox40 that "Persons that violate the Code of Conduct are asked to leave the property," but the newstation reports that diplays of affection are not mentioned in the Galleria's code of conduct.

The protest is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday near a Galleria Starbucks, according to the event page.

Stay Patched in! Follow Roseville Patch on Twitter | Like Roseville Patch on Facebook | Sign up for the daily email with links to the latest news.