Lesbian partners rallied outside their Bushwick apartment Tuesday against a landlord who they say makes them feel unwelcome in their own home.
Betsy Ortiz and her partner say their landlord at 61 Harman St. has harassed them since they moved in seven months ago with their 3-year-old daughter. The couple claims to have taken Juan Vazquez to court several times for allegedly failing to make repairs. Ortiz says she endures poor living conditions as well as disrespectful taunts. Supporters say they gathered to encourage the City Council to pass a law that punishes landlords who discriminate.
Vazquez's son, who is also a tenant in the building, says the accusations are false. He adds, Ortiz used to care for his father, who is an ill minister as well as a landlord.