Atlanta (GA) Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran has been terminated, according to news reports.
Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed made the announcement Tuesday, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution (http://on-ajc.com/1tGvHLh).
Atlanta Fire Chief Suspended After Publication of Book Critical of Homosexuality
Cochran was suspended in November due to a passage critical of homosexuality in a religious book he wrote, “Who Told You That You Are Naked?” An investigation has reportedly been launched into potential discrimination within the fire department.
Cochran served previously as chief of the Shreveport (LA) Fire Department and as U.S. Fire Administrator.
Below is video of Cochran’s statement (video courtesy of WSBTV.com).
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Cochran’s statement included references to his faith. In an interview with Todd Starnes of FOX (“Atlanta Fire Chief: I was fired because of my Christian faith”), Cochran said that while LGBT members of the community deserve to be able to express their views and not face hate or discrimination,” Christians also have a right to express our belief regarding our faith and be respected for our position without hate and without discrimination. In the United States, no one should be vilified, hated or discriminated against for expressing their beliefs.”