ANN ARBOR, MI – The Thomas More Law Center, a national public interest law firm based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, announced today that it’s West Coast Director, Charles S. LiMandri, won a jury verdict on behalf of four Christian Firefighters who were subjected to sexual harassment in the 2007 San Diego so-called “gay-pride” parade.
In July 2007, the four San Diego firefighters were ordered, against their wishes, to participate in uniform on their city fire engine in San Diego’s annual “Gay Pride” parade. During the course of the ensuing three hour long ordeal, the firefighters were subjected to vile sexual taunts and gestures along the parade route. These firemen are devoted husbands and fathers. All four firemen are Christian men.
Yesterday, shortly before 4:30 p.m. P.S.T., the jury found in favor of the four courageous Christian firefighters on all nine questions in the verdict form. This was the second time the case was tried in the past several months. The first trial ended in a hung jury.
Charles S. LiMandri, West Coast Director of the Thomas More Law Center, stated, “This is a victory for all people who are willing to stand up for what is right when it comes to defending our basic freedoms of speech and religion. No one should be forced to be subjected to sexual harassment on the job – not even male heterosexual firefighters who are being harassed by homosexual men at a Gay Pride Parade. All city officials should now think twice before ever making such a wrongheaded decision to violate their employees’ rights in such an improper manner again.”
On July 20, 2007, the four firefighters were told by their superiors that they would be participating in the parade. All four repeatedly protested that they did not wish to participate. On the morning of July 21, 2007, however, they were ordered to ride on a fire engine, in uniform, in the parade.
The Thomas More Law Center defends and promotes the religious freedom of Christians, time-honored family values, and the sanctity of human life through education, litigation, and related activities. It does not charge for its services. The Law Center is supported by contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations, and is recognized by the IRS as a section 501(c)(3) organization. You may reach the Thomas More Law Center at (734) 827-2001 or visit our website at www.thomasmore.org.