Former Atlanta Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran has filed a complaint against the city claiming he was discriminated against because of his religion.
Mayor Kasim Reed recently fired Cochran over comments in his self-published book “Who Told You That You Were Naked.” The book characterizes homosexuality as “vulgar” and “a sexual perversion.”
City spokeswoman Anne Torres says the city plans to defend the mayor’s decision.
Reed has said he didn’t dismiss the fire chief for his religious views, but for not obeying the rules, including not getting clearance to write the book.
Attorney Jonathan Crumly filed an EEOC complaint Wednesday on behalf of Cochran, who was fired this month after complaints about his self-published 2013 book, “Who Told You You Are Naked?”
“Americans are guaranteed the freedom to live without fear of losing their jobs because of their beliefs and thoughts. We are continuing to evaluate all available legal options to vindicate Chief Cochran after his unjust termination,” said Crumly, who is allied with the group Alliance Defending Freedom that has rallied to Cochran’s defense.
Mayor Kasim Reed fired Cochran over his distribution of his book, which condemns homosexual acts as “vile, vulgar and inappropriate,” at work.
City spokeswoman Anne Torres said the City did not know of the complaint but intended to defend Reed’s decision to fire Cochran “whether, through the EEOC administrative process or in any other appropriate forum.”
