In Williamson County, hating gays is a prerequisite for political appointments, plaintiff alleges
Last year, Robert Lloyd brought a federal lawsuit against Williamson County commissioners alleging he was asked numerous illegal questions when they interviewed him for the Precinct 3 constable position.
The lawsuit alleged Lloyd’s interview with commissioners, all Republicans, included questions about his voting record as well as his views on same-sex marriage, abortion and religion. Lloyd, a decorated law enforcement officer of 26 years, further alleged that his answers to the questions resulted in him not receiving the appointment.
“Mr. Lloyd was disturbed by the questions,” Lloyd’s lawsuit states. “He answered them, but felt they were inappropriate. Mr. Lloyd felt that his political and religious positions had nothing to do with whether he would do a good job as the new constable. He said to the commissioners it was tough to answer the question about gay marriage. Defendants did not approve of this attitude, and even told Mr. Lloyd he needed a better answer to their questions about gay marriage.”
According to the Texas Civil Rights Project, which is representing Lloyd, the questions violated his privacy rights as well as his rights under the 1st and 14th amendments to the US Constitution.
Read more: http://www.lonestarq.com/in-williamson-county-hating-gays-is-a-prerequisite-for-political-appointments-plaintiff-in-lawsuit-alleges/
Related threads:
Religious test for constable applicants in Williamson County (updated 11:37 p.m.) (May 2013)
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10788873
Two join hiring lawsuit against Williamson County commissioners (March 2014)
http://www.democraticunderground.com/107816504
Cross-posted in the LGBT Group.