A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed against Rep. Susan Davis and three of her Congressional colleagues for displaying the gay pride rainbow flag outside their House offices.
Chris Sevier, a lobbyist who has filed numerous anti-gay lawsuits, filed suit in U.S. District Court in Washington in July against Davis and Reps. Alan Lowenthal, Donald Beyer and Earl Blumenauer.
Sevier argued that homosexuality is a religion and therefore a gay pride flag has no place in a Congressional office. He wanted the flags removed and sought $1 in damages and court costs.
But District Judge Randolph Moss said Sevier “has not plausibly alleged that a reasonable person would perceive the display of the rainbow flags as religious in nature.”
Davis hailed the dismissal and said lawsuits like Sevier’s “only strengthen my resolve to fight to fulfill our nation’s principles of liberty, freedom and equality.”
“The rainbow flag is a symbol of commitment to full equality, freedom, and love and I will continue to display it outside my D.C. and San Diego offices,” she said. “It’s clear this misguided lawsuit was completely without merit and the court has said as much with this dismissal.”
Davis represents central San Diego, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, Spring Valley and parts of El Cajon and Chula Vista and is a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee.
