L.A. County Lifeguard Challenges Pride Flag Policy
An evangelical lifeguard, Jeffrey Little, who has served for 22 years in Los Angeles County, has challenged the county’s policy of hoisting the Pride flag at county buildings during June, Pride Month. Little, citing religious objections, refused to raise the flag and subsequently appeared on "Fox News @ Night" to discuss his stance.
Little has filed a federal lawsuit against the county, alleging religious discrimination. He has also garnered support from conservative media outlets and organizations, such as the Thomas More Society, which is representing him. Reports of other county employees requesting similar religious accommodations have surfaced, though the county states these are less than a dozen.
L.A. County's policy to fly the Pride flag at 260 facilities, including beaches, contrasts with actions in nearby cities like Huntington Beach and Downey, which have either banned or removed the Pride flag from city buildings.
County officials and pro-LGBTQ+ advocates have largely supported the flag policy. Supervisor Janice Hahn and Fire Chief Anthony Marrone note that the policy sends a supportive message to LGBTQ+ residents. Despite the legal and media attention, local governmental response and employee outrage appear minimal.