The department initially granted him an exemption on June 19, 2023, but then rescinded that exemption on June 21. The lawsuit states that Little took down the Pride flags at his station on June 21 before he had been told his accommodation had been revoked. Upon being told his accommodation was no longer in place, he alleges one of his superiors ordered him to raise the flags.
According to the lawsuit, one of Little’s superiors told him: “Your religious beliefs do not matter; you are an LA County employee.”
The lawsuit, which the Catholic legal group Thomas More Society filed on behalf of Little, claims that the fire department’s actions violated his constitutional rights and other laws. The complaint alleges First Amendment violations for allegedly limiting his religious freedom and compelling speech. It further alleges violations of the Civil Rights Act and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act.
Paul Jonna, who serves as special counsel for the Thomas More Society, told CNA that Little’s accommodation request was “extremely narrow,” essentially asking the department to “please have someone else” raise or lower the flag. Unfortunately, he said the reaction from the fire department shows “religious beliefs are not tolerated.”
Jonna added that the Progress Pride flag conveys “a whole range of disputed viewpoints: religious and moral.” Yet, some individuals are seeking “to normalize something that’s very controversial” and “shove their ideological views on everybody,” in violation of the law.
Many Christians, Jonna said, are “too afraid to challenge government abuse or [are unaware of] their rights,” but added that “when people do [speak up], oftentimes they’re victorious.
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