Antigay Comments From Paramedic Lead To Suspension

A Nashville paramedic has been suspended after posting antigay comments on Facebook.

The Tennesseanreports that Kevin Kennedy, a 20-year veteran of the Nashville Fire Department, was put on a two-month suspension after it was discovered he had labeled homosexuality a "perversion" on both his personal Facebook page and the one used by the Nashville Fire Department Emergency Medical Services.

Kim Lawson, spokeswoman for the department, said Kennedy had also commented on two gay EMS workers, saying they needed to "crawl back into the closet."

"We have a diverse group of employees in the fire department who respond to the needs of a diverse community," said Lawsond. "This disrupts the order of discipline. We have an important job. These actions in no way are tolerated."

Kennedy, who has no prior disciplinary record, has been ordered to attend an anger management program and diversity training before he's permitted to return to work.

Chris Sanders, Tennessee Equality Project Nashville committee chairman, applauded the fire department's response to the comments. "The Nashville Fire Department through its actions has made a clear statement that it will not tolerate discrimination or a hostile work environment."

"We have not faced this issue before, but as social media expands, it is a concern," said Lawson. " In no way did we want people to think the department was associated with antigay comments."

Social media oversharing has become a hot topic. In August, Florida teacher Jerry Buell was suspended after calling same-sex marriage a "cesspool" on Facebook. He was later reinstated.