Local News

3 Citrus Heights Cops Fired For Being Lesbians?

CITRUS HEIGHTS (CBS13) ― Three former Citrus Heights police officers are suing their department saying they lost their jobs because they are lesbians.

The complaint was filed in court. One Sgt. Claims the harassment was so bad that she couldn't do her job.  The complaint says that straight officers were allowed to have relationships, but those officers weren't subjected to questioning, harassment, termination. It also says that that co-workers started rumors and spread jokes about the women, assuming that contact with other female co-workers was a sign of a sexual relationship.

The harassment escalated when another female was hired last year and, despite positive evaluations, promotions and encouragement, they both lost their jobs for not meeting performance standards. A third woman is also named in the lawsuit. She claims the chief told her there was not a policy for dating subordinates, but one was in the works. According to the complaint, the chief commented on the adverse effect her relationship could and likely would have on her career. She ended the career, but was demoted and eventually terminated.

We tried to get the other side of the story from the police department, but a city spokesperson says they have not yet been served with the lawsuit, and don't want to comment.

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