Tag Archives: religious freedom

A New Jersey firefighter hoping to head off a disciplinary action over his refusal to shave his beard, has filed suit alleging religious discrimination. Atlantic City firefighter Alexander Smith filed suit last week in US District Court for the District of New Jersey claiming the fire department’s rules prohibiting beards discriminates against him on account of his religion.

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A Hamden, Connecticut firefighter has filed suit claiming the city discriminated against him on account of his religion because he refused to do things like march in a Memorial day parade and raise the American flag. Ray Pouncey, an 18 year veteran of the Hamden Fire Department, claims he has been forced to endure a hostile work environment for years. Pouncey is a Jehovah Witness.

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The expected lawsuit by former Atlanta Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran against the city has been filed alleging wrongful termination, religious discrimination and violation of his First Amendment rights. Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed fired Chief Cochran in January after he refused the mayor’s request to resign.

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Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed announced yesterday that Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran has been terminated after refusing his request to resign. Chief Cochran was suspended for 30 days in November after concerns were raised about comments in his new book, "Who Told You That You Were Naked", that condemned homosexuality and suggested women should be subservient to their man.

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