Salt Lake City officer says he never "refused" to work Pride Parade

I recently reported on a Salt Lake City police officer who allegedly "refused" an assignment to work on the Utah Pride Parade.

It turns out there's another side to that story. According to the officer's lawyer, he never "refused" to work the Parade, just asked to not ride a motorcycle at the head of the parade.

From FOX13 in Salt Lake City:

The officer’s attorney, Bret Rawson, told FOX 13 that his client worked on the motorcycle squadron for the Salt Lake City Police Department and was uncomfortable with his role at the pride parade. Rawson said the officer has “conservative, religious beliefs” and felt that riding with the motorycle squad would be seen as “advocating in favor of the LGBTQ community, a possition which made him uncomfortable given his personal and religious beliefs.”

Rawson claims the officer had managed to trade roles with another officer, when department administration intervened and put him on suspension.

“He never flatly refused to do his job in that motorcade,” Rawson said in an interview with FOX 13. “Instead of being given that opportunity, he was ridiculed in the press by allegations of bigotry and more.”

On Friday, the officer was put on paid administrative leave after he reportedly refused an assignment during this past weekend’s Utah Pride Festival.

I would love to say, if true, this makes the story a different issue. BUT - for one thing, as the police department pointed out, officers don't get to pick and choose their assignments. So why should this instance be different?

Also, with a motorcycle helmet and sunglasses and uniform, I can't imagine anyone would even recognize this particular officer. So the idea of his being seen as "advocating" homosexuality is a stretch. I think that idea would only exist in his head.

It's interesting that he did not want to be on a motorcycle at the head of the parade, but now feels he's been "defamed" by the police department's statements - which did not include his name.  How can you be "defamed" if no one knows who you are?

See FOX13's report below.