Lesbian court officer in Tennessee claims she was fired so her boss could win Republican votes

Elizabeth Gentzler, a former judge in Tennessee who was demoted and eventually fired, claims she was let go because of her sexual orientation. In court papers released from a lawsuit currently underway in Chattanooga, Gentzler claims Hamilton County Juvenile Court Judge Rob Philyaw discriminated against her because he thought she would hurt his re-election chances with Republican voters.

Gentzler, who started work in the court in 2010, had glowing reviews from her peers and superiors until Philyaw was appointed in 2013. She said the workplace then turned into a hostile and unfriendly environment. She was the subject of harassment and homophobic jokes and was transferred to another department when she raised suggestions. When she made a complaint she was told Philyaw was concerned she had “robe fever or haughtiness.”

Gentzler was fired in September 2014 and is now seeking $500,000 in damages. Philyaw’s attorneys are denying the charges and have told the jury that court employees work “at the pleasure of the judge.”

Tim Gibson - mygwork

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