Lds Officer Says He Resigned Due To Religious Discrimination

[CV75]

Are there any references or anything that support that the cadre of motorcycle cops were doing choreographed maneuvers?

[strappinglad]

I expect to see the Police Chief himself riding at the front of the next gay pride campaign dressed like one of the participants. Then I will know that the SLC police are not discriminatory. Police riding at the front of a parade has little to do with crowd or traffic control and a lot to do with a symbol that the civil authorities approved the parade. If, and I stress If , the motorcycle cops were told to perform circles or figure 8's a la the Shriners, then they become part of the show and their attendance should be voluntary.

[Rob Osborn]

The police chief was wrong. I hope and pray he has a change of heart.

[Daniel2]

Here's what I've found so far about the Motorcycle Squad:

 

Motors consists of many well-trained motorcycle riders who are responsible for traffic enforcement throughout the City.  The motorcycle squad utilizes BMW and Harley-Davidson motorcycles, which enable the officers to move freely through congested traffic and more effectively accomplish their mission.

 

 

The squad trains on a regular basis so the officers can maintain their skills and their safety while working in highly-congested areas as well as all of the special functions they work throughout the year.

 

 

The unit deploys City-wide to address major traffic concerns, and it responds to citizen complaints in neighborhoods.  Motors officers educate the public about safe driving while enforcing the laws.

 

 

The squad works many special events during the year, including parades, funerals, sporting events, runs, and more.  The squad is mostly known for its precision riding during the 24th of July parade, which is attended by thousands of community members.

 

http://slcpd.com/inside-the-department/special-operations-division/

 

 

I find it hard to believe that any officer that applies to be part of the motorcycle squad is not exposed to the above conditions for that specific job role, just as an applicant understands a schedule when applying for a job that requires work on Sunday. 

 

Officers electing to apply as a member of the motorcycle team are issued government property (a cycle), and the accompanying on-the-clock training to perform the duties of their official capacity.  From the website, it appears that any precision riding is to display to the public their capabilities as police officers--not official endorsements of any aspect of the events they're working....  It is not clear, however, whether or not precision riding was part of the Pride Parade.

 

Does the fact that the force rides in the 24th of July parade, which is sponsored by the LDS Church, mean the force is "condoning" Mormonism?  Of course not--we have a separation of church and state, and I've never heard any objections by those of us who aren't LDS to the police officers demonstrating their precision riding there, nor have I ever heard of any non-LDS officers complain about having to ride in that parade.

 

Should members of a motorcycle squad be allowed to refuse to work certain funerals because they disagree with the religious values of the deceased...?  Could they decline to work a St. Patrick's Day parade because they aren't Catholic, or dislike the Irish?  Can they opt out of sports events, or runs, or whatever else...? 

 

How could a police chief in charge of a motorcycle brigade effectively manage public servants if they could "opt out" of their assignments at any time...?  How is it fair for other members of the force, let alone members of the public, who's taxes pay for these public servant's salaries?

 

Here is the Salt Lake Police Officer's Mission Statement:

 

The mission of the Salt Lake City Police Department is to work with the citizens of Salt Lake City to preserve life, maintain human rights, protect property, and promote individual responsibility and community commitment.

 

Values

 

Integrity: There is no more important value for law enforcement professionals than demonstrating integrity in all they say and do.

 

Reverence for the Law: Consistent with aggressively protecting our integrity is the parallel duty to demonstrate an uncompromising reverence for the law.

 

Respect for Individuals: In meeting our obligations under the law, demonstrating respect for individuals both outside and inside the organization is essential.

 

Service to the Community: It must be recognized that police departments are service organizations. In providing this service, it is essential that we develop strong and lasting partnerships with the community to solve community-related problems, to enhance public safety, reduce crime and reduce the fear of crime.

 

Law Enforcement Code of Ethics

 

As a law enforcement officer, my fundamental duty is to serve the community; to safeguard lives and property; to protect the innocent against deception, the weak against oppression or intimidation and the peaceful against violence or disorder; and to respect the constitutional rights of all to liberty, equality and justice.

 

I will keep my private life unsullied as an example to all and will behave in a manner that does not bring discredit to me or to my agency. I will maintain courageous calm in the face of danger, scorn or ridicule; develop self-restraint; and be constantly mindful of the welfare of others. Honest in thought and deed both in my personal and official life. I will be exemplary in obeying the law and the regulations of my department. Whatever I see or hear of a confidential nature or that is confided to me in my official capacity will be kept ever secret unless revelation is necessary in the performance of my duty.

 

I will never act officiously or permit personal feelings, prejudices, political beliefs, aspirations, animosities or friendships to influence my decision. With no compromise for crime and with relentless prosecution of criminals, I will enforce the law courteously and appropriately without fear of favor, malice of ill will, never employing unnecessary force or violence and never accepting gratuities.

 

I recognize the badge of my office as a symbol of public faith, and I will accept it as a public trust to be held so long as I am true to the ethics of the police services. I will never engage in acts of corruption or bribery, nor will I condone such acts by other police officers. I will cooperate with all legally authorized agencies and their representatives in the pursuit of justice.

 

I know that I alone am responsible for my own standard of professional performance and will take every reasonable opportunity to enhance and improve my level of knowledge and competence.

 

I will constantly strive to achieve those objectives and ideals, dedicating myself before God to my chosen profession—law enforcement.

 

http://slcpd.com/inside-the-department/join-our-team/

 

It seems to me that the officer did the right thing by resigning.  If he felt that his religious beliefs, and his duty to God, specifically--conflicted with and prevented him from performing the duties of being a member of the motorcycle brigade, along with it's publically-funded (including tax dollars paid by gay and lesbian citizens) perks and the accompanying obligations, then he exercised his religious liberty to seek out a different role elsewhere.

Edited February 26, 2015 by Daniel2

[bluebell]

Here's what I've found so far about the Motorcycle Squad:

 

 

 

I would presume that by signing up to be a part of the motorcycle squad, officers understand the above conditions of that job role, just as an employee signing up for a job that requires work on Sunday.  Officers electing to apply as a member of the motorcycle team are issued government property (a cycle), and the accompanying on-the-clock training to perform the duties of their official capacity.  From the website, it appears that any precision riding is to display to the public their capabilities as police officers--not official endorsements of any aspect of the events they're working....

 

Does the fact that the force rides in the 24th of July parade, which is sponsored by the LDS Church, mean the force is "condoning" Mormonism?  Of course not--we have a separation of church and state, and I've never heard any objections by those of us who aren't LDS to the police officers demonstrating their precision riding there, nor have I ever heard of any non-LDS officers complain about having to ride in that parade.

 

Should members of a motorcycle squad be allowed to refuse to work funerals because they disagree with the religious values of the deceased...?  Could they decline to work a St. Patrick's Day parade because they aren't Catholic, or dislike the Irish?  Can they opt out of sports events, or runs, or whatever else...?  How could a police chief in charge of a motorcycle brigade effectively manage public servants if they could "opt out" of their assignments at any time...?

It seems to me that the officer did the right thing by resigning.  If he felt that his religious beliefs conflicted with performing the duties of being a member of the motorcycle brigade, along with it's publically-funded perks, then he self-selected him off of that team.

 

It seems like it all depends on whether or not the squad was doing choreographed maneuvers meant to entertain (kind of like shriners do in parades, like someone else said).  

 

Is there any video footage of the squad during this parade so we could see what they were actually doing?  Otherwise we just do not have enough info to judge the decision of this one officer.

[Pahoran]

Here's what I've found so far about the Motorcycle Squad:

 

 

I find it hard to believe that any officer that applies to be part of the motorcycle squad is not exposed to the above conditions for that specific job role, just as an applicant understands a schedule when applying for a job that requires work on Sunday. 

 

Officers electing to apply as a member of the motorcycle team are issued government property (a cycle), and the accompanying on-the-clock training to perform the duties of their official capacity.  From the website, it appears that any precision riding is to display to the public their capabilities as police officers--not official endorsements of any aspect of the events they're working....  It is not clear, however, whether or not precision riding was part of the Pride Parade.

 

Does the fact that the force rides in the 24th of July parade, which is sponsored by the LDS Church, mean the force is "condoning" Mormonism?  Of course not--we have a separation of church and state, and I've never heard any objections by those of us who aren't LDS to the police officers demonstrating their precision riding there, nor have I ever heard of any non-LDS officers complain about having to ride in that parade.

Is Pioneer Day only about the Mormons, or is it primarily about the initial settlement of Utah, by people who happened to be Mormons?

Once again, there's a difference.

 

Should members of a motorcycle squad be allowed to refuse to work certain funerals because they disagree with the religious values of the deceased...?

Apples and turnips. Don't you have a valid parallel case?

Could they decline to work a St. Patrick's Day parade because they aren't Catholic, or dislike the Irish?  Can they opt out of sports events, or runs, or whatever else...?

Apples and onions. Clearly, you don't.

How could a police chief in charge of a motorcycle brigade effectively manage public servants if they could "opt out" of their assignments at any time...?  How is it fair for other members of the force, let alone members of the public, who's taxes pay for these public servant's salaries?

You are being "gay" again, Daniel.

As you perfectly well know, the officer in question didn't try to "opt out." As you perfectly well know, he instead tried to swap duty with another officer, and work a different part of the very same parade.

 

Here is the Salt Lake Police Officer's Mission Statement:

It seems to me that the officer did the right thing by resigning.  If he felt that his religious beliefs, and his duty to God, specifically--conflicted with and prevented him from performing the duties of being a member of the motorcycle brigade, along with it's publically-funded (including tax dollars paid by gay and lesbian citizens) perks and the accompanying obligations, then he exercised his religious liberty to seek out a different role elsewhere.

Translation: Once again, hell hath no fury like a homosexual snubbed. Anyone who isn't willing to affirmatively and actively "support" and "celebrate" gross immorality has no business working anywhere near the wedding industry. Or the police. Or in government service. Or just about anywhere that they might come into contact with "gays."

That's it, isn't it?

Regards,

Pahoran

[Mola Ram Suda Ram]

You are being "gay" again, Daniel.

Regards,

Pahoran

I once was told I was homophobic for using this term that way. I lol'ed.

[pogi]

 

Now that was worth every tax dollar!

[SeekingUnderstanding]

I once was told I was homophobic for using this term that way. I lol'ed.

 

I too find using a key component of an individual's identity as an insult to be a productive way to converse and in no way demeaning.

[Mola Ram Suda Ram]

I too find using a key component of an individual's identity as an insult to be a productive way to converse and in no way demeaning.

Maybe you should look up that word in a dictionary. Maybe you might learn something. It is not about insulting some one. I digress this conversation is really not that important.

Edited February 26, 2015 by Mola Ram Suda Ram

[The Nehor]

First they came for the cake bakers who would not bake cakes with two plastic men on it and I said nothing because I am not a cake baker who objects to plastic on cakes I make.

Then they came for the motorcycle cops who did not want to protect a parade and I said nothing because I am not a motorcycle cop with moral objections to gay parades.

Then I said those people were shortsighted numbskulls and went on with my life.

[Pahoran]

First they came for the cake bakers who would not bake cakes with two plastic men on it and I said nothing because I am not a cake baker who objects to plastic on cakes I make.

Then they came for the motorcycle cops who did not want to protect a parade and I said nothing because I am not a motorcycle cop with moral objections to gay parades.

Sigh.

Have you actually read the story?

He DIDN'T REFUSE TO PROTECT THE PARADE!

How many ways does it have to be said before it finally sinks in?

Regards,

Pahoran

[Pahoran]

The officer was asked to ride out feont and do traffic control. The officer objected to being out front. The officer statement reads like oppurtunistic propaganda.

This story was reported days after it happened in June of 2014.

The officers statement from June 2014 was that riding traffic control out front was showing support for gay pride. Perhaps this former officer should learn a lesson about civil sericice from Black Officers who did crowd control for KKK rallies.

Thus Tonie.

But what did the officer actually say?

Attorney Bret Rawson said the officer didn’t refuse to work the parade, but asked to be taken off the motor team that leads the parade and reassigned to behind-the-scenes duty.

Note: "the motor team that leads the parade" isn't "riding traffic control." It's leading the parade.

Did you not bother reading your own source, or were you assuming that nobody else would?

Either way, it's come back to bite you.

It's such a pity you can't thread-ban me from someone else's thread, for being more polite to you than you are to me.

Regards,

Pahoran

[Pahoran]

I too find using a key component of an individual's identity as an insult to be a productive way to converse and in no way demeaning.

Latter-day Saints do not accept that someone's favourite sin is "a key component of an individual's identity." In fact, we find it self-defeating for people to link their identities to their sins.

Regards,

Pahoran

[SeekingUnderstanding]

Latter-day Saints do not accept that someone's favourite sin is "a key component of an individual's identity." In fact, we find it self-defeating for people to link their identities to their sins.

Regards,

Pahoran

I was not aware that Latter-day Saints considered being gay a sin, let alone a favorite sin. Please consider this a CFR for a statement saying that being gay is a sin from some church leader please. Thanks in advance!

[pogi]

In fact, we find it self-defeating for people to link their identities to their sins.

 

Hi, my name is _____ and I am an addict.

 

Just sayin'

[SeekingUnderstanding]

Maybe you should look up that word in a dictionary. Maybe you might learn something. It is not about insulting some one. I digress this conversation is really not that important.

 

From Google:

 

adjective

adjective: gay; comparative adjective: gayer; superlative adjective: gayest

1. 1.

   (of a person, especially a man) homosexual.

   "that friend of yours, is he gay?"

   synonyms: homosexual, lesbian; 

   informalqueer

   "gay men and women"

   • relating to or used by homosexuals.

     "feminist, black, and gay perspectives"
2. 2.

   lighthearted and carefree.

   "Nan had a gay disposition and a very pretty face"

   • brightly colored; showy; brilliant.

     "a gay profusion of purple and pink sweet peas"
3. 3.

   informaloffensive

   foolish, stupid, or unimpressive.

   "making students wait for the light is kind of a gay rule"

 

 

Which definition do you think Pahoran was referring too when he used the word (Pahoran, feel free to speak up!). Are you aware of other definitions that I'm not privy too? If so please illuminate my understanding.

[The Nehor]

Sigh.Have you actually read the story?He DIDN'T REFUSE TO PROTECT THE PARADE!How many ways does it have to be said before it finally sinks in?Regards,Pahoran

No, he insisted on protecting it only in a way he wanted to and got fired for it.

If my boss at work tells my team he wants something done and passes out assignments I do my assignment. I might ask to do something else and if I am rebuffed I suck it up and do it anyways.

[SeekingUnderstanding]

No, he insisted on protecting it only in a way he wanted to and got fired for it.

If my boss at work tells my team he wants something done and passes out assignments I do my assignment. I might ask to do something else and if I am rebuffed I suck it up and do it anyways.

Actually he was only placed on leave. He decided to resign.

[bluebell]

No, he insisted on protecting it only in a way he wanted to and got fired for it.

 

 

No he didn't.  He asked if he could trade someone else who was also working the parade but in a different position.  He said that if that would not have been possible he would have fulfilled his assignment.

 

Then he resigned after being put on leave for wanting to trade.

 

Did you read the articles?

[The Nehor]

No he didn't.  He asked if he could trade someone else who was also working the parade but in a different position.  He said that if that would not have been possible he would have fulfilled his assignment.

 

Then he resigned after being put on leave for wanting to trade.

 

Did you read the articles?

I did and I doubt that part of the story occurred as he said. On his side he was non-confrontational and just calmly asked to switch. I don't buy it.

[bluebell]

I did and I doubt that part of the story occurred as he said. On his side he was non-confrontational and just calmly asked to switch. I don't buy it.

If you read it then you must have missed the part where he said he could have handled the situation better and that he was not diplomatic when he had to talk to superiors about it.

Otherwise you would have know that he never claimed to be non confrontational or calm.

[Mola Ram Suda Ram]

From Google:

 

adjective

adjective: gay; comparative adjective: gayer; superlative adjective: gayest

1. 1.

   (of a person, especially a man) homosexual.

   "that friend of yours, is he gay?"

   synonyms: homosexual, lesbian; 

   informalqueer

   "gay men and women"

   • relating to or used by homosexuals.

     "feminist, black, and gay perspectives"
2. 2.

   lighthearted and carefree.

   "Nan had a gay disposition and a very pretty face"

   • brightly colored; showy; brilliant.

     "a gay profusion of purple and pink sweet peas"
3. 3.

   informaloffensive

   foolish, stupid, or unimpressive.

   "making students wait for the light is kind of a gay rule"

 

 

Which definition do you think Pahoran was referring too when he used the word (Pahoran, feel free to speak up!). Are you aware of other definitions that I'm not privy too? If so please illuminate my understanding.

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/gay

 

There are a few more than that.

adjective, gayer, gayest.

1.

of, relating to, or exhibiting sexual desire or behavior directed toward aperson or persons of one's own sex; homosexual:

a gay couple.

Antonyms: straight.

2.

of, indicating, or supporting homosexual interests or issues:

a gay organization.

3.

having or showing a merry, lively mood:

gay spirits; gay music.

Synonyms: cheerful, gleeful, happy, glad, cheery, lighthearted, joyous,joyful, jovial; sunny, lively, vivacious, sparkling; chipper, playful, jaunty,sprightly, blithe.

Antonyms: serious, grave, solemn, joyless; staid, sedate; unhappy,morose, grim; sad, depressed, melancholy.

4.

bright or showy:

gay colors; gay ornaments.

Synonyms: colorful, brilliant, vivid, intense, lustrous; glittering,theatrical, flamboyant.

Antonyms: dull, drab, somber, lackluster; conservative.

5.

Slang: Often Disparaging and Offensive. awkward, stupid, or bad;lame:

This game is boring and really, really gay.

6.

Slang. inappropriately forward or bold; overly familiar; reckless:

Emboldened by his earlier success, George got gay at the Christmasparty and suddenly swept his boss's wife onto the dance floor.

7.

given to or abounding in social or other pleasures:

a gay social season.

 

 

 

He more or less said that he was being lame. Hardly that offensive.

This conversation is quite gay, I might add.

 

 

One more thing, I think Pahoran was using the term in the more common way. It was me that injected the 90's way of using the word. But he can correct me if not. I don't really care.

 

Edited February 27, 2015 by Mola Ram Suda Ram

[The Nehor]

If you read it then you must have missed the part where he said he could have handled the situation better and that he was not diplomatic when he had to talk to superiors about it.

Otherwise you would have know that he never claimed to be non confrontational or calm.

No, I missed that article. So it was insubordination. Why are people still trying to make it about discrimination?

[bluebell]

No, I missed that article. So it was insubordination. Why are people still trying to make it about discrimination?

Because he was placed on leave for discrimination, not insubordination.

That's why peoplr are making it about discrimination. That's specifically what it was about. Again, it says it right in the article.