Gay Officer Told Not to March in Uniform at Gay Pride: He Sues! He'll win too
Gloria Allfred is taking time off from defending stupid celebrity wannabes with fake problems to file lawsuit for a unique cause.She filed a sexual discrimination / employment lawsuit against the California Department of Corrections on behalf of Andrew Johnson, 28.
Johnson is a correctional officer with the California Correctional Institution for Women since 2006, and a member of the Gay Peace Officer’s Association. He received a letter recently to march in the upcoming gay pride parade this Sunday in uniform with LA police officers and other city employees.
He allegedly requested permission from his employer to march in the parade but the public information officer and warden told him he was forbidden from doing so in uniform. He was told that participation would violate policy and he was not authorized to wear his uniform.
“This isn’t just about him. It’s about whether others can march in uniform also … this is why I admire him,” said Allfred in a press conference just minutes ago. “It’s 2011, it’s long over due for all gay people to be respected.”
She added, “Everyday there is an act of discrimination, is a day of harm … We’re hoping for the right thing to be done … It’s just really about equality.”
Allfred noted that officers are allowed to march in uniform in other parades, such as the Christmas parade, Carrot Festival, etc.
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