Kelvin Cochran

Former Atlanta Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran has filed a federal lawsuit against the City of Atlanta and Mayor Kasim Reed.

The lawsuit contends Kelvin Cochran was terminated because of his religious beliefs.

Cochran had published and distributed a book titled “Who Told You That You Are Naked?”.

The book contained passages that described homosexuality as a perversion, that some considered offensive. Others have said, Cochran was expressing vaild religious views.

Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed suspended and later fired Cochran for failing to follow protocol to gain permission to write and distribute the book.

Cochran says he received approval from the ethics board but was told later that he needed the mayor’s clearance too.

Six Republican congressmen are standing by Cochran. They sent a signed letter to Reed accusing him of religious discrimination and asked for Cochran's reinstatement.

Reed maintains he is a man of faith and is standing by his decision.

Attorneys from the faith-based nonprofit organization Alliance Defending Freedom For Faith, For Justice are representing Cochran in the case. The suit seeks lost wages, pay for emotional distress and more.

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