In nearly three decades of risking his life on the job, San Diego Fire Captain John Ghiotto said he'd never experienced real stress until he and his colleagues were forced to march in the city's "gay pride parade." Under orders by their battalion boss, who was likely pressured by the city's lesbian fire chief, four firefighters were instructed to march in the parade in their official capacity during work hours. Since refusing the order could have meant disciplinary action, the men complied against their wishes. As they walked along the parade route, homosexuals on either side of the street shouted obscenities, made lewd gestures, and sexually harassed the men to the point where the firefighters are now pursuing legal action."The experience left me feeling humiliated, embarrassed, and offended by this event." Although lesbian chief Tracy Jarmen said she apologized to the firefighters for the treatment they received, she was quick to point out that the department "has an established tradition of accepting invitations from diverse community groups to march in parades."
Local officials have finally agreed to investigate the complaint, but Ghiotto says he and his colleagues will still proceed with a lawsuit. And rightfully so. The city's hypocrisy is unconscionable! In California, the intolerance for religious conscience continues while forced acceptance of homosexuality is excused as "political correctness." We reported on a case just yesterday in which military officers were publicly chastised for voluntarily appearing in uniform to endorse a Christian organization. In this instance, the city ordered its employees to participate in a lewd rally in official dress against their will--and relatively little has been done about it. Where is the outrage?
(Source: Family Research Council, Washington Update, Aug. 8, 2007)
· Offer praise that these firefighters in San Diego have stood fast for righteousness. Ask that they be shown justice in the process of the legal proceedings before them. Ask our Lord to forgive the chief, Tracy Jarmen, for she knows not what she does. Amen.
· "By the blessing of the righteous a city is exalted, But by the mouth of the wicked it is torn down." (Proverbs 11:11).
