Twist in case of Christian lifeguard suspended for refusing pride flag duties

Los Angeles County is facing a federal lawsuit brought by a longtime lifeguard captain over Pride flag requirements during June. The county adopted a 2023 policy requiring the LGBTQ pride flag to be displayed at county properties throughout the month. The captain, a devout Christian, says he objected to raising the flags because his religious beliefs conflict with views on marriage and sexuality. He requested a religious accommodation to avoid personally raising the flag or directing subordinates to do so. The county initially approved the request and then reversed it days later. After he removed some government-issued flags, he was investigated and given a 15-day unpaid suspension. The county says he violated department rules by removing flags without authorization, while the lawsuit alleges harassment and retaliation tied to the accommodation request.

"A long-running legal battle involving a veteran Los Angeles County lifeguard and the county's LGBTQ pride flag policy is now moving toward trial after a federal judge issued a mixed ruling on competing motions from both sides."

"Little, who identifies as a devout Christian, argued that participating in the flag-raising process conflicted with his religious beliefs regarding marriage and sexuality. According to the lawsuit, Little requested a religious accommodation that would excuse him from personally raising the pride flag or directing subordinate employees to do so."

"His attorney says the county initially approved the request before reversing course just days later. The case escalated after Little removed several pride flags from lifeguard stations. County officials maintain he violated department rules and removed government-issued flags without authorization, insisting disciplinary action was tied to policy violations rather than his faith."

"Little was ultimately investigated and handed a 15-day unpaid suspension. His attorney, Paul Jonna of the Thomas More Society, argues the captain believed he was operating under the accommodation previously granted by the county. Jonna also contends some lifeguard towers were exempt from displaying the flags because they lacked the required hardware under county flag regulations."

Read at California Post