US firefighter sacked for comparing being gay to bestiality
A fire chief in Atlanta, Georgia has been fired for anti-gay comments in a self-published book.
In the book ‘Who Told You That You Are Naked’, Kelvin Cochran compared being gay to pederasty and bestiality.
According to the Washington Times, the book states: “Uncleanness — whatever is opposite of purity; including sodomy, homosexuality, lesbianism, pederasty, bestiality, all other forms of sexual perversion.
“Naked men refuse to give in, so they pursue sexual fulfillment through multiple partners, with the opposite sex, the same sex and sex outside of marriage and many other vile, vulgar and inappropriate ways which defile their body-temple and dishonor God.”
Mr Cochran distributed copies of the book, in which he identifies himself as the fire chief, to his co-workers which led to his suspension for a month. An investigation into discrimination in the fire department was launched. Mr Cochran was fired shortly after returning to work.
Councilman Alex Wan said: “Mr. Cochran‘s actions made it a difficult work environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender employees within the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department. This sends a strong message to employees about how much we value diversity and how we adhere to a non-discriminatory environment.”
Mayor Kasim Reed said “I profoundly disagree with and am deeply disturbed by the sentiments expressed in the paperback regarding the LGBT community. I will not tolerate discrimination of any kind within my administration.”
Local religious groups have defended Mr Cochran, as they believe his religious freedom has been violated.
