NJ.com reports:

A Hudson County jury has awarded a gay Union City couple US$3.15 million after the couple were chased and beaten following a dispute over their order at a Union City Burger King.

"Violence against anybody, including gay people, cannot be condoned. The jury spoke to this issue," Nutley attorney James F. Fine of the compensatory and punitive award awarded to Peter Casbar, 43, and Noel Robichaux, 46.

"Honestly, my clients were unable to speak. It was a very emotional moment for them," said Fine who handled the "gay bashing" suit with River Edge Attorney Joseph R. Donahue.

Casbar and Robichaux testified emotionally during the civil trial that began Feb. 7, saying the dispute with the person taking their order in the 2007 incident escalated and other Burger King workers became involved after they had already left the restaurant.

"The manager and a group of angry restaurant employees chased the couple and then mercilessly kicked, beat and spat upon the two men while screaming hate-filled anti-gay invectives," Fine said in a statement.

The couple alleged they were victims of a violent hate crime and brought the suit under New Jersey's Law Against Discrimination.

The jury rendered its verdict at 7 p.m. Wednesday and the award includes $1.7 in punitive damages. The $3.15 million must be paid by Food Service Properties Corp. and Union City Restaurant Corp. which own seven Burger Kings, including the one at 3501 Bergenline Ave. in Union City.