Same-sex couple accuses Uber driver of discrimination after he kicked them out for kissing

A same-sex couple claims that a New York City Uber driver kicked them out of his car after the two shared a “peck” kiss during a ride.

Alex Iovine and Emma Pichl told New York’s WABC that the two kissed briefly while crossing the Manhattan Bridge, and that their Uber driver “abruptly” pulled over a few minutes later and “aggressively” approached them.

{mosads}A video one of the women took of the incident shows the driver claiming that the kiss was “illegal” and telling them to get out of his car.

The women asked the driver why they were not allowed to kiss, to which he responded that it was “disrespectful.”

Pichl told WABC that it was a “shock,” adding that they would likely not use the ride-hailing app for the time being. They reportedly have been refunded the cost of the $22 ride.

“I think, for both us, it was just a shock, not really knowing what to say,” she said. “I think we are going to steer clear of Uber for a bit.”

An Uber spokeswoman told ABC News that they are in touch with the women and investigating the incident.

“Uber does not tolerate any form of discrimination,” she said.

The New York Taxi and Limousine Commission condemned the driver’s behavior as “blatantly discriminatory” and “repugnant.”

A similar incident occurred in Houston last December, when a gay couple claimed an Uber driver dropped them off at the side of a freeway after they kissed in his car.

And a same-sex Indiana couple said that a driver for Lyft, another popular ride-hailing service, also kicked them out for a “peck.”