Steve Horner's crusade against ladies' nights at bars took a hit Thursday as a Denver County judge tossed his claim that newspaper ads for such promotions violate state civil rights laws.

"Too bad we didn't have an impartial judge," Horner said as Judge Brian Campbell adjourned the proceeding and walked away. "The judge missed a great trial."

Horner, who moved to Denver from Minneapolis last year, has complained to the Colorado Civil Rights Commission about bars that sell drinks at a lower price to women than men. The commission was sympathetic but determined in May that it did not have authority to award damages to Horner.

Today's action was against the weekly Westword, which ran an ad for a ladies' night promotion. Horner claimed the newspaper violates the civil rights law covering actions that "indirectly" discriminate.

Campbell ruled that the law doesn't cover advertising. "Now I know how black people in the early part of the last century felt about being cheated out of their civil rights," Horner said later.

Horner acted as his own lawyer. He told Campbell he feels "resentful, disrespected, humiliated (by) having my civil rights ripped away" by discriminatory drink prices.

As the trial ended, Westword Editor Patricia Calhoun said, "I'm running to the ladies room." Turning to Horner, she added, "You don't object, do you?"

Horner said he hasn't decided whether to appeal. Suits by Horner are pending against five bars that host ladies' nights.

morsonb@RockyMountainNews.com or 303 954-5209