Fire Captain Jon Little’s lawsuit alleges that the Los Angeles County fire department’s orders to him to fly the Pride flag violated his constitutional rights. He received an exemption from the action on religious grounds on June 19, 2023, but this was revoked two days later. Little claims he removed the flags from his station before being informed of the revocation, after which a superior allegedly demanded him to fly them again, stating his religious belief was irrelevant as a county employee.
The legal suit, filed by the Catholic legal group, Thomas More Society, argues that the fire department contravened Little’s constitutional rights, the First Amendment, the Civil Rights Act, and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act. Special counsel for the Thomas More Society, Paul Jonna, commented that Little’s request was simply to have someone else handle the flag. He lamented that the department’s response evidences a lack of religious tolerance.
Jonna emphasized that the Progress Pride flag represents various disputed viewpoints that include religious and moral aspects. He criticized those who aim to normalize controversial ideologies and infringe upon the law. The counsel highlighted that while many Christians fear opposing government misuse or are unaware of their rights, when they do challenge it, they often succeed.