On September 11, 1974, I was hired by the Washington State Patrol as a Communications
Technician.
On or about 16 October, 1974, a background investigator asked "THE QUESTION".
I don't remember his exact words but it amounted to, "Is there anything that you
could be blackmailed for?"
I answered that, since it was public knowledge that I was homosexual, I couldn't
be blackmailed for that.
I was off duty the next day, but as soon as I returned, I was told to report to
the commander.
I was fired.
On the 20th of February, 1976, the Superior Court of The State of Washington
ordered my reinstatement with back pay, declaring that my termination
violated my "rights under the Constitution of The United States,
as well as the Constitution of The State of Washington..."
For an 8 page "Opinion of the Court" you can read the text
file.
Other related documents are on file at Seattle University.
People comment that it took a lot of bravery to fight such a battle in 1974.
It was not bravery, but a deeply held love of the Constitution of the U.S.
and a faith that God would not abandon me in my quest for a righteous judgement.
The judge and many others since have commented on my "honesty" in admitting my orientation
to the investigator.
I never thought it would make a difference, so why not be honest.
Here we are 40+ years later and still people are discharged from their jobs
for being honest about something that has no effect on the ability to do the job.