Woman Files Suit Against Avis Rent A Car // Upset that they Offer Discouts to GLBT Groups

Lynn Evenchik of Arizona recently rented a vehicle for one week from Avis Rent A Car in California.  She later learned that she would have received a discount of 20-25% off her rental price if she was a member of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association or the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.  She has now filed a class-action suit against Avis alleging discrimination based on sexual orientation:

“These unfair and unlawful business practices result in many consumers who are not affiliated with those organizations paying substantially higher rental rates than those made available to gay and lesbian renters,” the complaint states.

Evenchik is seeking damages and restitution on behalf of anyone who rented a car from Avis since the company began offering the discounts, which is believed to have begun around September 2010.

She also seeks an injunction to stop Avis from continuing to offer reduced rates to members of the gay and lesbian organizations.

A quick bit of research finds that Avis also offers discounts to members of other groups like AARP, AAA, and USAA.  Additionally, Avis doesn't offer discounts to GLBT people.  It offers discounts to members of those groups.  I'm not a member of any of those groups.  I don't get a discount.  Additionally, if she was really interested in securing IGLTA's discount rates, what's to stop her from joining up?  Not them.  They don't require that you be GLBT to join.

People like to complain about frivolous lawsuits.  This is one of them.