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Four Members Sued Over Rainbow Flags

Plaintiff says flag is religious symbol for the ‘homosexual denomination’

California Rep. Susan Davis posted a photo of the gay pride flag hanging outside her office alongside U.S. and California flags. (Courtesy Davis’ office)
California Rep. Susan Davis posted a photo of the gay pride flag hanging outside her office alongside U.S. and California flags. (Courtesy Davis’ office)

Four Democratic lawmakers are being sued by an opponent of LGBTQ rights for displaying a gay pride flag in front of their offices.

The lawsuit is being brought by Chris Sevier, a lawyer opposed to same-sex marriage, The San Diego Union-Tribune reported.

The members involved are Reps. Susan A. Davis and Alan Lowenthal of California, Donald S. Beyer Jr. of Virginia and Earl Blumenauer of Oregon.

Sevier is arguing that homosexuality is qualified as “a religion” and that the pride flag is considered a religious symbol for the “homosexual denomination.”

But Davis said her flag is not being taken down and the legal action only further validates her reason for having the flag on display in the first place. 

“The response we’ve gotten is overwhelmingly positive,” the nine-term congresswoman said.

Davis was served with the lawsuit as San Diego’s gay pride parade was closing.

In a statement, Davis said the lawsuit wouldn’t deter her from working for equality.

“It is especially offensive to see this type of hateful behavior right after our city celebrated Pride with a record high turnout,” she said. “It’s disheartening that in this day and age this is still an issue. Be assured that hateful lawsuits are not going to stop me from celebrating our nation’s diversity.  If anything, this lawsuit is a reminder of the need for us to work even harder for full equality for all Americans.”

Sevier’s case is not likely to go anywhere since he also asks the court to overturn the Supreme Court’s ruling that ended bans on sodomy laws and the ruling that allowed for same-sex marriage nationwide. 

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