Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Social Security Employee Fighting LGBTQ Awareness Training On Religious Grounds

A new controversy pitting Christian religious beliefs against LGBTQ rights has erupted at the Social Security Administration.  LGBTQ Nation reports today that David Hall, a 14-year employee at the Social Security office in Champaign, Illinois, has been suspended for two days and anticipates being fired for refusing to watch a training video on LGBTQ awareness.  Hall, a Christian, was refused a religious accommodation to excuse him from the requirement to sign a form acknowledging that he had completed the awareness training.  Hall, who has hired a lawyer, says: "I am not going to certify sin." He argues that the video is "promoting an agenda and lifestyle" that he does not agree with. Hall says he has LGBTQ friends and family and is not judging anyone.  He says: "I’m simply trying to live out my life, my faith and be obedient to the will of God."