Man in same-sex marriage files discrimination claim against Virginia diocese

October 23, 2015

Stating that he was fired by the Diocese of Richmond because of his same-sex civil marriage, a Virginia man has filed a discrimination claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

“I thought I found a safe place where I could do good and I won't be judged and I won't be ostracized,” said John Murphy, the former head of an assisted-living facility. “People being discriminated against because of who they love, when it has nothing to do with their performance, is outrageous.”

Diocesan spokeswoman Diana Sims Snider said that “the diocese sees it as a First Amendment issue and expects its employees to uphold the teachings of the Church,” according to an Associated Press paraphrase of her remarks. 

 

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Further information:

• Man claims he lost job at Catholic home because he's gay (AP)