Bible Christian

Your source for Bible Study

Ask Us A Question
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Mailing List
    • Donate
  • News
  • Questions & Answers
  • Bible Study
    • Articulos en Español
    • Theology Index
    • Bible Study Index
    • Miscellaneous Articles Index
  • Resources
  • Free Tracts
  • Audio/Children
    • Audio Files
    • Artwork
    • For Kids
    • Ventriloquism
You are here: Home / All News / Is there such a thing as 1st Amendment rights for Christians?

Is there such a thing as 1st Amendment rights for Christians?

July 13, 2016 By Gary Panell Leave a Comment

Capitol Hill lawmakers hear Chief Cochran’s story

 | Charlie Butts (OneNewsNow.com)

July 13, 2016

Freedom of Religion buttonA fired Atlanta police chief has encouraged a U.S. House panel to move forward to protect religious liberty – and he stands as an example of the need for passage of the bill.

The First Amendment Defense Act (H.R. 2802) is designed to protect religious freedom, and that would include that of fired Atlanta Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran. Cochran testified on Tuesday before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee that he experienced discrimination in another form when he became one of the first black firefighters in Shreveport, Louisiana.

“There were designated plates, spoons, and forks for the black firefighters,” he shared. “In one fire station, I had to wash the dishes in scalding hot water – and the captain stood by to make sure that the water was hot enough to get rid of the germs.”

He also testified there were designated beds for black firefighters so whites wouldn’t have to come in contact with beds that had been occupied by blacks.

Cochran rose through the ranks to become Atlanta’s fire chief in 2008. He was appointed by President Obama in 2009 as the U.S. fire administrator for the United States Fire Administration – effectively becoming the nation’s fire chief. He returned to Atlanta in 2010 where, a few years later, he was fired for a self-published book on sin that happened to mention homosexuality. He was suspended and investigated.

“Consequently, after concluding its investigation, the city determined that I had never discriminated against anyone, including members of the LGBT community,” he told the panel. “Nevertheless, ladies and gentlemen, on January the 6th, 2015, I was terminated from employment from the city of Atlanta.”

Democrats on the panel seemed to be concerned that guaranteeing religious freedom would lead to discrimination against homosexuals.

A companion bill – S. 1598 – has been introduced in the Senate.

Share to FacebookShare to TwitterShare to EmailMore AddThis Share optionsMore

Filed Under: All News

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Connect on Facebook

Copyright © 2023 · Bible Christian