I suppose the only thing that I can say about lisasdong's comments is that they will, fortunately, die with her someday, bitter and unsupported. The world is changing, as are the views of it's inhabitants, and someday, a person will be able to marry whomever they choose, as long as those of us who believe in that freedom continue to fight for it. History tells us this. 'Nuff said.
As for the article, I really do feel that the firefighters should not have been forced to participate in the parade, if indeed this is how events panned out. Somehow I doubt that this is the case, but nevertheless, I would be upset if I were forced to participate in some anti-gay demonstration to be sure. It's not quite the same thing, but I can understand the point.
Since they were allegedly on the clock (I got this impression, but am not sure if it is accurate), I guess I can see how it could be deemed sexual harassment, but I feel this is a weak arguement. I do think the Fire Chief should be reprimanded in some way, but if her performance record shows that she does her job well, especially if this is a "first complaint," she certainly shouldn't be demoted or fired. This kind of harassment happens all the time. My first interview for the lawfirm I worked at was at a strip joint called "The Hidden Door." I was so uncomfortable it was ridiculous. I got the job, but was introduced very quickly into the world of bigots who don't give a shit about others. I can understand how that feels, and therefore I feel for the firemen, but I just find it hard to believe that they could have, at any time, left this situation. If they had done this, I'd be much more inclined to support some sort of legal action, because their beliefs about it were so strong that they left the situation at the peril of loosing their jobs. But they didn't do this. Just a thought.