Ex-Ford contractor sues over firing after anti-gay comments

DEARBORN, Mich. (AP) — A former contractor for Ford Motor Co. who says he was fired for criticizing the automaker’s efforts to support the gay community is suing.

The Detroit Free Press reports Thomas Banks of Ypsilanti sued the Dearborn-based automaker and Troy-based Rapid Global Business Solutions in federal court. Banks says his civil rights were violated because he was fired last August after speaking up in defense of his Christian beliefs.

The suit seeks unspecified damages for loss of wages, mental anguish, emotional distress, humiliation, shame and anxiety.

Ford says it wasn’t in a position to comment because the lawsuit hadn’t been reviewed. A Rapid Global spokeswoman also hasn’t seen the lawsuit.

The legal action comes after the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission decided not to pursue a complaint filed on Banks’ behalf.

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