GEORGIA: Fired Atlanta Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran Still Wants His Job Back

Via the Heritage Foundation:

After being fired for writing what’s been described as an “anti-gay” book, former Atlanta Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran says he “absolutely” wants his job back. “In the United States of America, Americans should not have to choose between keeping your job and living out your faith,” Cochran told The Daily Signal in an exclusive interview. “And that’s the position the city of Atlanta actually has taken—that I have to have a choice to live out my faith or to keep my job.” Cochran was fired in January 2015 for publishing a men’s devotional book for a Baptist church group. In the book, “Who Told You That You Were Naked?” Cochran addressed issues of homosexuality, gay marriage and premarital sex from a biblical perspective. Upon being fired, Cochran filed his own federal lawsuit against the city of Atlanta, alleging that he was wrongfully terminated and being discriminated against for his Christian beliefs. “In the United States of America, we are guaranteed the freedom to live without fear of being terminated or experiencing any adverse action for the free expression of our beliefs and thoughts,” Cochran said. “It was an injustice against me on that basis.” The case is still ongoing.

As we know, Cochran wasn't fired for his "anti-gay views" but for proselytizing at the workplace.

GEORGIA: Altanta Gay Couples Marry In Mass Fulton County Ceremony

GEORGIA: Man Parades 100-Round AR-15 Rifle Through Atlanta Airport Because "Something Might Happen"

Via Atlanta's CBS affiliate:

A man carrying a rifle inside the Atlanta airport wasn’t breaking any laws, but he did raise a few eyebrows, including those of some Atlanta police officers. Jim Cooley says he carried his gun through the terminal when he and his wife went to drop his daughter off for her flight. He says he knew he wasn’t breaking any rules because he has a full understanding of Georgia’s gun laws. “You can carry in unsecured areas of the airport. Past TSA, never,” Cooley said.

That’s exactly what he did. Cooley carried his AR-15 fully loaded with a 100-round drum through parts of the terminal. Cooley says as he and his wife began to leave the airport the APD officer stopped him again and radioed to others that he was carrying an automatic weapon. Cooley says he was then followed to his car by a police lieutenant and two officers, who took pictures of their car. “It shouldn’t matter what I carry, just that I choose to carry,” Cooley said. “You never know where something might happen. If you don’t exercise your rights, the government doesn’t have any hesitation taking them away."

Last year Georgia legalized the open carrying of loaded guns in airports.

GEORGIA: Print Shop Refuses To Print Wedding Invitations For Lesbian Couple

Citing his religious beliefs, the owner of an AlphaGraphics print shop franchise in suburban Atlanta has refused to print wedding invitations for a lesbian couple. Via Atlanta's NBC affiliate:

Paige Beckwith says throughout her wedding planning process she has been open with vendors that there would be two brides on the wedding day. She says none of the vendors seemed to care, but him. Beckwith says she contacted the company after being referred by a friend. They were trying to go with a train theme. Their engagement photos, taken by Snap Shots By Allie, were on railroad tracks. Their reception would be at an old train depot in Lawrenceville. They wanted the invitations to look like a train ticket, so she needed a company that could design and print them. "The owner called me back and let me know that he's not going to print our invitations because he does not support same sex marriage," said Beckwith. "I kept asking him how, why, how he could do this? He just basically stood on his religious beliefs, referenced the Bible, called it a sin, and I was basically in tears saying how could you treat me this way?," she recalled.

The AlphaGraphics main office has denounced its franchisee and promised to print the invitations at no charge. They have also issued a statement:

We do not condone discrimination of any kind, and wish to make clear that customers of any race, religion, nationality, ethnicity or sexual orientation are welcome at our franchisees' locations nationwide. We also wish to apologize to the customers who were impacted by the actions of this franchisee, and hope that our response conveys the level of commitment we feel toward upholding our company's standards of inclusion, and that all members of the Suwanee community continue to feel welcome at AlphaGraphics.

Georgia does not protect LGBT residents from business discrimination. (Tipped by JMG reader Todd)

ATLANTA: High School Students Face Charges In Attack On Gay Classmate

(Tipped by JMG reader DM)

GEORGIA: Atlanta Resident Elton John Denounces License To Discriminate Bill

"Simply put, this bill is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. It promises religious freedom, but let’s be clear: No one’s religious freedom is at risk! Both the Georgia Constitution and U.S. Constitution very explicitly protect this right. What SB 129 will really do is institutionalize the hate some people hold in their hearts against other people. It will turn back the clock on the progress we have made — not only in the fight against HIV, but also in the struggle for a more equal and just society.

"To be clear, I firmly believe in freedom of religion. Everyone has the right to worship as they choose. But I also believe in justice, equality and the rule of law. We can’t just let people refuse to follow a law because they don’t like it. And we can’t just grant special exemptions that allow people to discriminate at will.

"In this country, if you don’t like a law, you can work to change it. And if enough people agree with your point of view, you’ll succeed. That’s the beauty of democracy in America. And that’s why I’m writing this essay. I hope enough people, once they realize the harmful intent behind SB 129, will join me in fighting it. No one should be discriminated against because of who he is, or what he looks like, or because of a disease he happens to have. My dear friend Eli fought and lived through a time of progress, and so should we. We cannot afford to turn back the clock as we fight for an AIDS-free future in Georgia, across the country and around the world." - Elton John, writing for the Atlanta Forward.

UPDATE: I'm told that the above essay will appear in tomorrow's Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

RELATED: There's a poll in Elton's post that needs to be freeped.

ATLANTA: Alliance Defending Freedom Sues City Over Fired Crackpot Fire Chief

Last month the ADF filed an EEOC complaint and today they filed a civil rights suit. Considering that their litigation track record rivals that of the Liberty Counsel, the former fire chief probably shouldn't hold his breath.

ATLANTA: Former Fire Chief Files Religious Discrimination Complaint With Feds

Via the Atlanta Journal-Constitution:

Former Atlanta Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran has filed a federal discrimination complaint contending he faced religious discrimination when the City fired him after he published a book that contained controversial statements about homosexuality. Cochran swore out the complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission alleging violations of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by the City of Atlanta on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Attorney Jonathan Crumly filed an EEOC complaint Wednesday on behalf of Cochran, who was fired this month after complaints about his self-published 2013 book, “Who Told You You Are Naked?” “Americans are guaranteed the freedom to live without fear of losing their jobs because of their beliefs and thoughts. We are continuing to evaluate all available legal options to vindicate Chief Cochran after his unjust termination,” said Crumly, who is allied with the group Alliance Defending Freedom that has rallied to Cochran’s defense.

Mayor Reed reacts: "He can get all of the lawyers he wants so that he can continue to have publicity and sell books, but he's going to lose the legal case. What is not disputed is he never communicated with me, the chief executive officer, prior to the publication of the book. It's clearly out of bounds." (Tipped by JMG reader Arthur)

Brian Brown: The New York Times Has Declared War On All Christians

"The Times has just declared war on Christians and members of other faith communities that serve in government position. It is open season, according to the New York Times, to make sure that we lose our jobs. The new authoritarians now state openly that we can have our beliefs—we simply can’t talk about them. And then they are going to actually have the gall to say that 'this is not about free speech or religious freedom.' This is OUTRAGEOUS. And I know you are as concerned as I am about this, because of the many emails and phone calls we've received. Now it’s time to turn outrage to action to stop the New Authoritarians. NOM is supporting legislation at the state and federal level to stop the attack on marriage and religious liberty. I urge you immediately to contact your Congressman and urge him or her to pass the Marriage and Religious Freedom Act which will help protect religious liberty at the federal level." - Hate group leader Brian Brown, in an email which includes a money beg to (allegedly) buy more copies of Kelvin Cochran's book.

Focus On The Family: Atlanta Will No Longer Allow Christians To Hold Jobs

FRC Money Begs On Fired Fire Chief

"After 30 years of distinguished public service, the mayor fired Kelvin Cochran because he self-published a 160-page book written for his church Bible study. This is not the first story we've heard about government's attack on our religious freedoms. In this case, only one half of one page in his book discussed the Biblical view of homosexuality. This example provides us with just the most recent illustration of why -- now more than ever -- we must stand up for religious freedom. This will be a huge priority for FRC Action this year. As we continue towards our January membership goal, would you consider giving to help us advance this effort? This is not only for the situation with Chief Cochran but for the many others just like him around the country. There are many others and this dangerous trend shows no sign of letting up in 2015. We must stand up to it. That's why we need your support this year. Would you give $25, $35, $75 or whatever you're able to join FRC Action and help with the effort? Thank you for considering this. We can't stand for issues like this in Washington, D.C. without the support of people like you!" - Hate group leader Josh Duggar, via email. (Notice how Cochran's book is now suddenly written for a Bible study group?)

HRC Backs Atlanta Mayor Kasis Reed

Tony Perkins Vs New York Times

"Just when you thought the media couldn't sink any lower, the Times takes on the same First Amendment that gives it the freedom to print these vicious attacks on Christians. In a stunning column, the newspaper argues that men and women of faith have no place in public management of any kind. The piece, which shows a remarkable disinterest in the facts, claims that Atlanta Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran didn't have permission to publish his book on biblical morality. Not only did Cochran have permission from the city's ethics office to publish his book, but he only distributed it in his personal capacity at church -- where a handful of his coworkers attend. At no point did Kelvin Cochran 'foist his views on anyone. And if you follow the Times's suggestion to its natural conclusion, then there's no place in this country for Christians in any position of authority! It's time for the city of Atlanta to end its campaign of discrimination against Christians, whose only crime is exercising the same liberties our forefathers came to these shores to protect. The New York Times is calling for public servants to be held to a different standard when it comes to their freedom of speech and religion. But I think most Americans are quite happy with the standard that we've had for the last 226 years -- the First Amendment!" - Hate group leader Tony Perkins, ranting about this editorial.

Tony Perkins Compares Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed To Islamic Terrorists

The FRC has launched the hashtag #FiredForFaith. You know what to do.

UPDATE: The local Fox affiliate was live-streaming. Click play and forward to where things start around the 20-minute mark. At the 60-minute mark anti-gay crackpot Alveda King speaks. King is currently signing her press releases as "Dr. Alveda King" because she got an honorary doctorate from some Christian college. Perkins follows shortly after King.

NOM Money Beg Includes "Free" Copy Of Anti-Gay Book By Fired Atlanta Fire Chief

Just in via email:

Dear Joe, Right now, our friend Reverend Garland Hunt is preparing to lead the Standing for Our Faith Rally at the Georgia Capitol rotunda in support of Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran. At the center of the controversy down in Atlanta is a man who has served as a public official with a sterling record; and who is suddenly deemed ‘unfit' for service because he wrote in a book that he believes the Biblical truth about marriage and sexuality. It's ridiculous, it's a violation of our sacred first amendment, and it's happening more and more frequently. So now is when you and I must draw a line in the sand and put a stop to it! Won't you please renew your membership for 2015 by making a generous gift of $25 or more to NOM right away so we will have the resources to intervene and support ordinary Americans like Chief Cochran when they come under attack from vicious same-sex ‘marriage' bullies? And if you respond to this email by renewing your membership with a gift, I will send you a copy of Chief Cochran's book, "Who Told You That You Are Naked?" which is at the heart of this 'controversy'."

Brian Brown closes: "Help NOM defend men and woman of faith all around the country from the attacks of intolerant, vicious bullies pushing a marriage redefinition agenda."

Editorial Of The Day

From the editorial board of the New York Times:

Until last week, Kelvin Cochran was the chief of the Atlanta fire department, where he oversaw a work force of more than 1,000 firefighters and staff. He was fired on Jan. 6 by Atlanta’s mayor, Kasim Reed, for homophobic language in the book, “Who Told You That You Were Naked?” Among other things, he called homosexuality a “perversion,” compared it to bestiality and pedophilia, and said homosexual acts are “vile, vulgar and inappropriate.”

Mr. Cochran had already been suspended for a month in November for distributing the book to staff members. Following an internal investigation, the mayor did the right thing and dismissed Mr. Cochran for what he called poor judgment: specifically, for failing to get approval for the book’s publication, for commenting publicly on his suspension after being told not to, and for exposing the city to possible discrimination lawsuits.

It should not matter that the investigation found no evidence that Mr. Cochran had mistreated gays or lesbians. His position as a high-level public servant makes his remarks especially problematic, and requires that he be held to a different standard. The First Amendment already protects religious freedom. Nobody can tell Mr. Cochran what he can or cannot believe. If he wants to work as a public official, however, he may not foist his religious views on other city employees who have the right to a boss who does not speak of them as second-class citizens.

Hate groups will rally at the Georgia Capitol Building this afternoon in support of Cochran's alleged right to proselytize at the workplace and hand out anti-gay rants to his subordinates.

ATLANTA: Hate Groups To Rally Today In Support Of Fired Anti-Gay Fire Chief

The image above comes via NOM. Tony Perkins will also be there in Atlanta today. From his press release:

Atlanta's fire department is supposed to put out the flames -- not fan others. Unfortunately for Mayor Kasim Reed, the controversy over the firing of Christian fire chief Kelvin Cochran is igniting a different debate over religious liberty. Despite insisting that the decision to sack Cochran had nothing to do with his faith, it seems that Mayor Reed's decision was rooted in nothing but. Angry over a book written for a men's bible study that Chief Cochran had the city's permission to publish, Who Told You That You Were Naked?, the Mayor is finding out just how unpopular his intolerance is. For now, the newest face of the religious liberty debate has no intentions of backing down. We shouldn't either! Sign FRC's petition in support of Chief Cochran and I will let him know that you are standing with him as he stands for the truth! If you're in the Atlanta area tomorrow, please join us at 1:30 p.m. for the rally in the Capitol Rotunda.

Perkins, as usual, is lying. The mayor's office says they never heard about the book and as the Atlanta Journal-Constitution declared, "Cochran forced his own firing" by vowing to continue to proselytize at the workplace upon returning from his suspension.

Brian Brown Fundraises On Firing Of Former Atlanta Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran

"Mr. Cochran was simply exercising his First Amendment rights, publishing a book as a private individual and not making any claims as a representative of the city. His views - which, incidentally, are views shared by a majority of Georgians and a majority of people throughout the country and across the globe - have no bearing on whether he is fit to serve as the city's Fire Chief. There is simply no justification for firing him on the basis of this book! But, of course, the radical gay agenda isn't interested in the First Amendment, or in the values of tolerance and respect for a diversity of opinions. They simply want to silence any opposition and turn traditional values about marriage and family into the social and legal equivalent of hate speech and bigotry. We cannot stand by and allow this kind of bullying and intimidation to continue. Click here right away to sign our petition and to say, 'Enough is enough!' We need to stand united against the intolerant bullies who want to drive good people like you and me and Mr. Cochran from the public square in shame." - Hate group leader Brian Brown, launching a petition which adds the signees' names to the NOM mailing list. The Family Research Council, Faith Driven Consumer, and Charisma Magazine have all launched petitions of their own, but those won't help NOM's money woes.

RELATED: The LGBT hijacking of the #ExtinguishIntolerance hashtag is well under way. If you've got a Twitter account, join in.

Tony Perkins On Atlanta's Fired Fire Chief

"Atlanta's Kelvin Cochran knows all about fire -- but being fired? That's a whole new experience -- one Cochran hopes other Christians never face. The long-time member of the city's Fire Rescue Department was forced out of the squad in a shocking display of anti-religious prejudice after a distinguished career that [sic] an appointment by the Obama administration as the U.S. Fire Administrator. Unfortunately for Cochran, Mayor Kasim Reed seems intent on making an example of the African-American, who self-published a book -- with the permission of the mayor's office -- on biblical morality. After chatting with a handful of Christian co-workers, Kelvin offered them copies of Who Told You That You Were Naked? which includes a chapter on human sexuality that's consistent with the Bible's teaching on the subject. Despite the fact that Cochran had his superiors' approval, and despite the fact that he only gave the book to friends, he was suspended late last year -- until yesterday, when the Mayor fired him. Obviously, it's one thing to use your platform to intimidate subordinates, but the idea that you should have to surrender your First Amendment rights merely for being a public servant is outrageous. What's to prevent the government from going after another employer or contractor?" - Hate group leader Tony Perkins, in a press release that fails to report that Mayor Reed's office denies having been notified about the book.

FRC staffer Travis Weber picks up the story in a posting on their blog today:

In essence, the chief was fired by the mayor and his allies because (if they were honest) they “think he might discriminate against gay people.” Never mind there is zero evidence of any such discrimination. Simply put, no one can point to any adverse action Chief Cochran has ever taken against someone based on their homosexuality! If they could, we certainly would have heard about it, given the frenzied fears of “potential” future discrimination and a “possible” hostile work environment. But because that’s all the mayor and his allies have to go on, all we’ve heard about is the “possibility” of future discrimination. This is a clear case of someone being eliminated from their position because of their views alone. This is even worse than other recent cases of disapproval of orthodox Christian views among public figures in the United States. Without exaggeration, we can say we have just seen the government monitoring personal expression for approval or disapproval, backed up by power of law.

As the Atlanta Journal-Constitution has made clear, Cochran "forced his own firing" by going on a speaking tour of churches during his suspension where he declared (to great applause, no doubt) that he would continue to proselytize at the workplace upon his return. The FRC has launched a pro-Cochran petition as have the anti-gay Faith Driven Consumer, who writes:

People of faith in Atlanta have been sent a clear message -- unless you agree with the mayor and his point of view, you could be subject to persecution. Concerned citizens aware of similar actions taking place in other parts of the world where human rights are not respected, but are stunned to learn this is happening not only in America, but also in the very city that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was born and raised. "We are calling on Mayor Reed to immediately reinstate Chief Cochran, to apologize for his actions, and to take specific steps to ensure that no person of faith in Atlanta will be singled out by his administration simply due to the expression of their religious convictions. The people of Atlanta and America will not stand for intolerance, inequality, and flagrant bigotry. We are demanding Equal Application of Equal Protection for all people -- including people of faith.

The name of their petition: Extinguish Intolerance, which they are supporting with a hashtag campaign on Twitter. Time for some hijacking!

Erick Erickson: Gay Terrorists Have Won

"A publisher published something that offended. It mocked, it offended, and it showed the fallacy of a religion. It angered. So the terrorists decided they needed to publicly destroy and ruin the publisher in a way that would not only make that destruction a public spectacle, but do it so spectacularly that others would think twice before publishing or saying anything similar. The terrorists did what had to be done to publicly destroy and ruin the offender. So they demanded the Mayor of Atlanta fire the Chief of the Fire Department for daring to write that his first duty was to 'glory God' and that any sex outside of heterosexual marriage was a sin. And the terrorists won in Atlanta." - RedState editor Erick Erickson, writing tonight for his personal site. Erickson's obvious intention is to compare LGBT activists to the Islamist terrorists in France. (Tipped by JMG reader Gil)