Harassing Boss Ordered to Pay Lesbian Chef $1.6 Mil

A lesbian chef was awarded $1.6 million after her boss made repeated attempts to "pray away" her sexual orientation.

Mirella Salemi was a chef at the New York City eatery Mary Ann's on West Broadway for six years. She said owner Edward Globokar would hold regular prayer meetings in the restaurant to help "convert" gay employees such as Salemi. Globokar reportedly told employees who didn't agree with his religious views that they faced eternal damnation unless they prayed or went to church.

Salemi eventually quit in 2007, according to the New York Post. Globokar has been ordered to pay $1.2 million in punitive damages and $400,000 in compensation to Salemi.