A Christian employee of the Illinois Social Security Administration who refused to watch a video on LGBTQ "diversity and inclusivity" is in danger of losing his job. David Hall, 42, said he is protesting over the video because "I don't believe God wants me to do that."
When all SSA employees nationwide were told they had to watch a 17-minute LGBTQ diversity training video, Hall refused, citing his religious beliefs. Although Hall said he has gay and lesbian friends, and holds no animosity toward homosexuals, he still believes homosexuality is a sin. "I'm not going to certify sin," he said.
Because of the stand he took, Hall was reprimanded and was suspended without pay. He realizes he may lose his job over his stance. He has worked in information technology for the SSA for 14 years, according to LifeSiteNews.
Hall said he believed such training was essentially LGBTQ propaganda. "This is something I want to fight and expose, to give other Christians the courage of their convictions," he said, adding that several employees shared his convictions but were too worried and frightened to make a stand.
"I can't tell you how many I've worked with that have told me, 'Dave, we agree with you 100 percent. I wish I had the courage to do that.' But they're scared. ... Their fears are being realized through me," he said.
Hall's supervisor gave him two direct orders to watch the diversity video, once on June 2 and again on June 24, but he held his ground, reports New York Daily News. Hall hired an attorney and requested a religious accommodation to opt-out of watching the video, but was denied. In a statement provided to the News-Gazette, Doug Nguyen, communications director for the SSA's Chicago region, stated the mandatory diversity video was "in support of an inclusive work environment, as well as exemplary customer service."
Americans For Truth president Peter LaBarbera praised Hall for standing up for his convictions: "He is absolutely correct: LGBT 'diversity' sessions and films are NOT truly 'diverse' because they disrespect or ignore faith-based and moral opposition to homosexualism and transsexualism."
"By calling out this forced groupthink, David Hall is helping to educate others - and ultimately standing up for our First Amendment freedoms," LaBarbera said.
"People like him willing to suffer for liberty's sake keep us all free."
Hall now is working with Jason Craddock, a private Chicago attorney who represented a Bed and Breakfast owner who turned down a same-sex couple's request to hold a civil-union ceremony at their site in 2011. An administrative law judge ordered the owners pay $30,000 in damages to the couple and $5,000 to their attorneys for violating the Illinois Human Rights Act.
