Marietta Choir Director: I Had to Quit Because I'm Gay

MARIETTA, GA -- Ira Pittman worked at Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church for more than 20 years as a choir director.

But when church leaders learned he was gay last December, he says he was forced to resign.

Now Pittman, who works at East Cobb United Methodist Church, has filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, reports Northwest Georgia News.

• Sign up for the Marietta Patch newsletter!

Pittman says he kept his sexuality a secret, but at a Christmas party that he organized last year, he says some church staffers complained that the event was a "coming out party" for Pittman. His partner of 16 years was present at the event.

Pittman said he had to resign because of the church's stance on homosexuality.

Image: Google Earth