Local Blogger Arrested for Trying to Photograph Supe. Wiener's Wiener Gets Stay-Away Order

Luke Thomas, Fog City Journal

Says trying to snap an unwanted photo of Supervisor Wiener's penis is not harassment

Michael Petrelis, the activist blogger who attempted to snap a lewd photo of Supervisor Scott Wiener, has been ordered to stay away from the city supervisor at all times.

Petrelis appeared in court yesterday where he pleaded not guilty to disorderly conduct charges; Judge Donna Alyson Little then ordered the gay rights activist to stay at least 150 feet away from the supervisor, according to KGO.

Petrelis' attorney, Derek St. Pierre, argued against the stay-away order, saying there was no threat of violence and "no pattern of harassment."

Supervisor Wiener -- and the judge -- totally disagree.

See also: Scott Wiener Bathroom Photo: Law Professor Calls Blogger's Account "Public Confession"

The Wiener drama started on Oct. 26 when Petrelis followed the supervisor into the men's restroom at City Hall. He attempted to shoot a photo of Wiener as he did his business at the urinal, but the supervisor zipped up before Petrelis could get his action shot.

What Petrelis was able to get was a photo of was Supervisor Wiener grabbing for his toothbrush as he left the bathroom in a huff. Wiener filed a complaint with the Sheriff's Department, and on Nov. 29, after some police questioning, Petrelis turned himself in to authorities. He was arrested on suspicion of disorderly conduct.

via KGO

The photo

The District Attorney filed charges, explaining that Petrelis' bathroom etiquette was "very, very inappropriate." However, Petrelis' attorney said outside of court yesterday that the case is "fundamentally about a photograph of a gentleman at a sink."

Actually what this is really about, his attorney said, is journalism. "It makes it very difficult for Mr. Petrelis to continue on as a journalist."

Ah yes, photojournalism is now being compromised.
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