Atlanta Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran suspended for homosexuality remarks in book

Atlanta Fire Rescue Department Chief Kelvin Cochran has been suspended from his position for one month pending a "thorough review" by the City of Atlanta of his recently published book, according to a statement from Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed.  Atlanta's Channel 2 Action News reported that Cochran's book, among other things, equates homosexuality with bestiality.  

According to Channel 2, the book talks about Cochran's religious values.  He writes about running his job as fire chief consistent with the main principles of Christianity.  The Reed Administration has reasons to believe that Cochran distributed his book to other city employees.

The statement from Reed said that Cochran will be suspended for one month without pay, he will be required to complete sensitivity training, and he will be prohibited from distributing the book on city property. Deputy Chief Joel G. Baker will replace Cochran for the time being.

The Mayor's Office underscored that the opinions described in the book are not consistent with the views of Mayor Reed or his administration.

"I was surprised and disappointed to lea of this book on Friday," said Reed in a statement. "I profoundly disagree with and am deeply disturbed by the sentiments expressed in the paperback regarding the LGBT community. I will not tolerate discrimination of any kind within my administration…I want to be clear that the material in Chief Cochran’s book is not representative of my personal beliefs, and is inconsistent with the Administration’s work to make Atlanta a more welcoming city for all of her citizens - regardless of their sexual orientation, gender, race and religious beliefs."

Two years ago in December, Reed made an effort to reach out to the LGBT community in Atlanta by announcing his support to gay marriage. On the same day, he signed a City Council resolution approving gay marriage.