Eagan firefighter sues city, saying he was demoted because he is gay

An Eagan firefighter is suing the city and its fire chief, claiming he was demoted from a battalion chief position because he is gay.

In a civil lawsuit filed this week in U.S. District Court, firefighter Dan Benson alleges discrimination based on his sexual orientation and violation of his constitutional rights by Eagan Fire Chief Mike Scott and the city.

Benson joined the fire department about 18 years ago, moving up along the way to become battalion chief. As such, he was paid a monthly stipend. He also contributed to a fire department pension.

Sometime around November of last year, Scott told Benson and other firefighters at a meeting that they would have to reapply for their positions, according to the lawsuit.

Read more: http://www.twincities.com/2017/04/27/eagan-mn-firefighter-sues-claims-demoted-because-he-is-gay/