Lawsuit Reinstated Against ABC Show
MIAMI (AP) -- A federal appeals court has reinstated a lawsuit alleging that ABC discriminates against dis-abled people trying to become contestants on "Who Wants to be a Millionaire." The 11th US Circuit Court of Appeals decided that the lawsuit contained a valid claim that the show's qualifying system, which uses touch-tone phones, violates the Americans with Disabilities Act. A three-judge panel likened the phone system to other "places of public accommodation" covered under the law. District Judge Federico Moreno in Miami had concluded in 2000 that the ADA isn't broad enough to cover the show's telephone qualifying process. The panel ordered Tuesday that he review the decision. Miami's Center for Independent Living filed the suit two years ago, saying the show's qualification system excludes hearing-impaired people and those who can't op-erate touch-tone phones. Under the ADA, people can sue for better access and legal fees but no money for compensation or damages.
MIAMI (AP) -- A federal appeals court has reinstated a lawsuit alleging that ABC discriminates against dis-abled people trying to become contestants on "Who Wants to be a Millionaire." The 11th US Circuit Court of Appeals decided that the lawsuit contained a valid claim that the show's qualifying system, which uses touch-tone phones, violates the Americans with Disabilities Act. A three-judge panel likened the phone system to other "places of public accommodation" covered under the law. District Judge Federico Moreno in Miami had concluded in 2000 that the ADA isn't broad enough to cover the show's telephone qualifying process. The panel ordered Tuesday that he review the decision. Miami's Center for Independent Living filed the suit two years ago, saying the show's qualification system excludes hearing-impaired people and those who can't op-erate touch-tone phones. Under the ADA, people can sue for better access and legal fees but no money for compensation or damages.