By Gudrun Schultz

Members of Strathclyde Fire and Rescue trainingGLASGOW, Scotland, July 19, 2006 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Glasgow firefighters who refused to participate in a gay pride event may face disciplinary action, the Herald reported today.

Ten men from the Cowcaddens fire station are under investigation after they refused orders to man an information stall during the Pride Scotia parade. The men were told to attend the June 24 event in uniform and hand out leaflets on fire safety.

The Herald reported that some refused on grounds of conscience, while others were “embarrassed” to attend the event in uniform. Their superior officers reported the men for disobeying orders, said BBC News.

Scottish National Party MSP Fergus Ewing said disciplinary action against the men would be “unbelievable.”

“Firefighters are entitled to their private views. Since when was handing out leaflets at a gay event considered a firefighter’s core duty?”

The gay rights group Stonewall Scotland said the firefighters treated “lesbian and gay Scots” as “second-class citizens” by refusing to attend the event.

Strathclyde Fire and Rescue confirmed an investigation is underway in a press release July 12, saying “A number of firefighters are currently the subject of an internal investigation concerning the delivery of fire-safety advice at the recent Pride Scotia parade.” The fire and rescue organization is one of the largest in Europe, covering about 2.3 million residents.

To contact Strathclyde Fire and Rescue:

Headquarters
Bothwell Road
Hamilton
ML3 0EA

Phone: 01698 300999
Email: [email protected]