Democratic members of the House responded on Wednesday to an anti-marriage equality lawyer who filed a lawsuit against them for displaying rainbow flags in the hallways outside their offices on Capitol Hill.
Chris Sevier, an attorney who unsuccessfully argued that he should be able to marry his “porn-filled” laptop under marriage equality, filed the lawsuit against Reps. Don Beyer (D-VA), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Susan Davis (D-CA) and Alan Lowenthal (D-CA) in March.
Sevier argued in the complaint that “‘homosexuality’ and other forms of self-asserted sex-based identity narratives are a ‘religion'” and that the flags symbolized the “homosexual denomination.”
“The time, place, and manner of the installation of the Gay Pride Rainbow Colored Flags is unconstitutional,” Sevier alleged.
He sought $1 in damages and the forced removal of the flags from outside the members’ offices.
“I will fight this hateful attempt to silence equality and justice. We have come too far to allow the voices of bigotry and hate to win,” Lowenthal responded on Facebook on Wednesday.
“Nothing is going to stop me from fighting for equality, justice, and peace,” Blumenthal responded in a post.
“Our LGBT pride flag isn’t going anywhere. Of all the pictures and displays in my office, it draws the most consistent appreciation from constituents who visit us in DC,” Beyer said in a statement to TPM. “It is a symbol of the values we hold dear: acceptance and celebration of diversity, the fight for equality, and love. We will continue to display it proudly.”
Davis said in a statement Wednesday that the flag is “a source of pride for me and my constituents.”
“Be assured that hateful lawsuits are not going to stop me from celebrating our nation’s diversity,” she said. “It’s disheartening that in this day and age this is still an issue.”
This post has been updated.
By definition, homosexuality cannot be a religion, because (according to most of my gay and lesbian friends) homosexuality is actually pretty fun.
QED, laugh it ought of the courtroom.
No rainbows, only Trump white, blue, and red for you…
Well…if homosexuality is a religion then homosexuals would be far more protected under the first amendment and not have to go thorough all the fuss they have because you assholes won’t leave them be.
And…if homosexuality is a religion and they decide to build a big church, they can be tax exempt!
So if homosexuality is a religion, there are a lot of interesting people and places who will suddenly be tax-exempt. Between that and secular humanism it could be a whole new fiscal landscape.
This guy shouldn’t just be laughed out of court, he should be sanctioned.
But even Donnie has pride from some apparently very confused LGBTQ folks…
Admittedly, Donnie thought it was a beach towel at the time, but still…