Lesbian Couple Sues Las Vegas Casino for Alleged Discrimination, Battery

Plaintiffs claim they were ejected and injured by security for public display of affection

Mar. 16, 2026 at 6:05pm

A new lawsuit alleges that a lesbian couple, Brianne Garcia and Lelannie Dominguez, were subjected to discrimination, battery, and negligence at the Strat casino hotel in Las Vegas in 2024. According to the complaint, the couple was ejected from the property and physically injured by a security guard after being told to stop showing 'affectionate' behavior at an on-site bar. The lawsuit names the Strat and its parent company, Golden Entertainment, as defendants, citing multiple causes of action including negligence, battery, discrimination in a public accommodation, and negligent hiring, training, and supervision.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about LGBTQ+ discrimination in the hospitality industry, as well as the need for proper employee training to handle sensitive situations without bias or excessive force. The lawsuit also raises questions about a casino's duty of care to ensure the safety and equal treatment of all patrons.

The details

According to the lawsuit, a waitress approached Garcia and Dominguez at the Strat's bar and instructed them to stop being 'too affectionate,' leading the couple to feel they were being singled out due to their sexual orientation and gender. A manager then ordered their removal from the premises. The situation allegedly escalated when a security guard escorted them in an 'aggressive and confrontational' manner, prompting the couple to start recording the interaction on their phones. The lawsuit claims the guard then 'physically battered' the women, resulting in serious injuries.

  • The incident occurred on May 3, 2024.
  • The lawsuit was filed in Clark County District Court on March 10, 2026.

The players

Brianne Garcia

One of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit against the Strat casino hotel.

Lelannie Dominguez

One of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit against the Strat casino hotel.

The Strat

The casino hotel in Las Vegas that is the defendant in the lawsuit.

Golden Entertainment

The parent company of the Strat casino hotel and a defendant in the lawsuit.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights ongoing concerns about LGBTQ+ discrimination in the hospitality industry and the need for proper employee training to handle sensitive situations without bias or excessive force. The lawsuit also raises questions about a casino's duty of care to ensure the safety and equal treatment of all patrons.