Lawsuit Filed over Rainbow Flag Outside CA Lawmakers Offices

By Gary Nguyen --
25 Jul 2017 --

By Ludovic Bertron from New York City, Usa [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Four lawmakers are being targeted for displaying a rainbow flag outside their office.

Chris Sevier, an LGBTQ rights opponent, has filed a case against four Democratic lawmakers- Representatives Earl Blumenauer, Susan A. Davis, Donald S. Beyer Jr. and Alan Lowenthal of Oregon, California, and Virginia respectively. Both Davis and Lowenthal were elected from California. The reason? All four Congress members display gay pride flags outside their offices.

Lawsuit Filed over Rainbow Flag Outside CA Lawmakers Offices[/tweetthis]

Sevier, a lawyer, has put forward the argument that homosexuality qualifies as religion. He said the pride flag can be regarded as a religious symbol applicable to the “homosexual denomination.” His complaint spans over 38 pages. The case, filed in District of Columbia's Federal District Court, urges the Congress members to remove the gay pride flags. Other than that, he asked one dollar for damages. The defendants are represented by the House Counsel.

Davis and her fellow congress members have doubled down on their positions. She emphatically stated that the gay pride flag fluttering outside her office will continue to remain. She added the prospect of legal action has only encouraged her to be more persistent in her support for the LGBTQ community members. The congresswoman mentioning the news of her being sued has brought a number of people defending her cause.

Lowenthal said the pride flag symbolizes resilience, perseverance and resistance. It marks an assent to the struggle done by the LGBTQ community over many decades. It also marks the community's commitment to fight for the same rights heterosexuals enjoy. The pride flag fluttering outside Congressman Lowenthal's office represents his ardent commitment to principles as he supports pro-LGBT legislation and supports all commitment made in the light of such principles. He wants to improve the lives of all LGBTQ Californians.

Because homosexuality is a religion in this bigot's warped mind: Four Members Sued Over Rainbow Flags https://t.co/yjjjmp406v via @RollCall
— Lesley Wischmann (@LesleyWischmann) July 23, 2017

Other than the gay pride flag, the offices of Davis and Lowenthal display the California and the United States flag. Lowenthal said that when a few troublemakers desecrated the pride flag, his office received an overwhelming quantity of support. This substantial support, he said, “It is a symbol of both how far we have come on equality for all Americans and how far we still have to go. It is a symbol of love, of peace, and diversity. I will fight this hateful attempt to silence equality and justice. We have come too far to allow the voices of bigotry and hate to win.”