CASE WATCH::Atlanta Refusing to Bow to the Name of Jesus — Charisma News

When one reads the hyperbole surrounding the Cochrane case keep in mind, "it was not because of his religious beliefs, but for his poor judgment in distributing his self-published book that condemned homosexuality. Atlanta has sexual orientation nondiscrimination protections and Cochran was fostering an unwelcoming working environment that did not represent the city’s values. Moreover, while Cochran was suspended for a month to investigate complaints about how he distributed his book, he openly promised to continue engaging in such actions, which Reed felt seriously undermined his 'judgment.'"

Think Progress also notes, "Reed was adamant during Tuesday’s press conference that Cochran’s religious beliefs were not the reason he was fired. His book, Who Told You That You Were Naked?, was published in violation of Atlanta’s Standards of Conduct, which requires approval from the Ethics Officer and the Board of Ethics. According to Reed, Cochran’s 'actions and decision-making undermine his ability to manage our fire department' because employees need to feel that they are 'a valued member of the team and that fairness and respect guide employment decisions.'"

In the 2013 book, "Who Told You That You Were Naked?", Cochran called homosexuality "vulgar" and "the opposite of purity." He was fired early this year after employees complained to city council members about the book's content, Atlanta city attorney Robert N. Godfrey said.

"The city of Atlanta has a policy of non-discrimination," Godfrey said in court. "This book runs completely afoul of those principles."

U.S. District Court Judge Leigh May said during Wednesday's hearing that there had not yet been time for depositions in the lawsuit filed in February, suggesting she was not ready to throw it out. But she did not immediately issue a ruling.

Cochran is seeking to return to his job with back pay.
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Theriot noted that most of the books that Cochran gave away at work were to employees who asked for copies.

So my question would be, if "'[t]he fire chief wasn’t passing the book around, except to people who asked for it,”' how offensive is what he wrote that someone that received said book felt the need to report it? 

Atlanta Refusing to Bow to the Name of Jesus — Charisma News

See also::  Lawsuit: Fire chief terminated because of Christian faith for more Reich hyperbole