LOS ANGELES (TND) — A Christian lifeguard in California is suing his local fire department after it allegedly threatened to dismiss him for refusing to display a Pride flag at his workplace, court documents show.
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors in 2023 passed a resolution requiring all facilities operated by the county to display the 'Progress Pride Flag' during June. Capt. Jeffrey Little says he requested a religious exemption to this rule, which the county allegedly granted before rescinding two days later.
Little says he was then subjected to harassment by the department, which allegedly told him “you are an LA County employee, that’s the only thing that matters,” and “your religious beliefs do not matter.” He also claims the department disclosed his request to unauthorized individuals, causing him to receive death threats.
Attorneys are now seeking damages, a temporary restraining order and an injunction protecting Little’s religious freedom.
“Captain Jeffrey Little is an upstanding American, a devout Christian father, and a public servant who has honorably served the Los Angeles County Fire Department for over 22 years,” an attorney on the case said in a statement. “He courageously stood on principle and asked for a simple religious accommodation—which he is rightfully and legally due—only to be first denied, then threatened, harassed, discriminated and retaliated against for his widely shared Christian religious beliefs.”
READ MORE | Pride flag will be banned from government buildings under new California city ordinance
The Los Angeles County Fire Department declined comment when reached by The National Desk (TND) Friday.
The case comes after a separate lawsuit brought by a California teacher alleges his teachers union denied his candidacy for a position on its executive board due to his race. The board created a “BIPOC At-Large” board position reserved only for individuals who self-identify as a member of a racial minority group, according to the lawsuit. When filing paperwork to run for the opening, Newman “could not in good conscience check the box,” his lawyer said. That allegedly made him ineligible to run for the position.
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