L.A. County Engineer Sues Over Pride Flag Requirement

Eric Batman claims he cannot 'participate in a celebration that his religion deems sinful'

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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A conservative Los Angeles County engineer named Eric Batman has sued his employer, the Department of Public Works, for refusing to let him work from home in June when the LGBT Pride flag is displayed at the building where he works. Batman, who has an 'exemplary' 24-year employment record, claims that being in the building while the Pride flag is displayed violates his 'sincerely held religious beliefs' that 'homosexuality is a sin'.

Why it matters

This lawsuit highlights the ongoing tensions between religious freedom and LGBTQ+ rights, as well as the challenges that government employers face in balancing the needs of diverse employees. The case could set a precedent for how far employers must go to accommodate religious objections to LGBTQ+ displays and celebrations.

The details

Batman, a senior civil engineer, has been told by his employers to use the back entrance of the building to avoid seeing the Pride flag during June. He was also advised to seek mental health counseling. The lawsuit claims that other county employees have been given religious accommodations, but Batman's request 'was unconstitutionally, unconscionably, and unlawfully denied'.

  • The Pride flag was first ordered to be displayed at all county offices in June 2023.
  • Batman has been told to use the back entrance to avoid seeing the flag for the last two years.

The players

Eric Batman

A 24-year employee of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works who was promoted to senior civil engineer in 2015. He is suing the county for refusing to let him work from home in June when the Pride flag is displayed, claiming it violates his 'sincerely held religious beliefs' that 'homosexuality is a sin'.

Los Angeles County Department of Public Works

The government agency that employs Eric Batman and has required the display of the Pride flag at all county offices since June 2023.

Liberty Counsel

The evangelical legal group representing Eric Batman in his lawsuit against Los Angeles County.

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What they’re saying

“The Constitution does not allow the government — or a government employer — to put citizens in the impossible position of choosing between their conscience and their livelihood.”

— Mat Staver, Chairman of Liberty Counsel (sfchronicle.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide whether to grant Eric Batman's request for a court order declaring that the county is violating his religious rights.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing conflict between religious freedom and LGBTQ+ rights, as well as the challenges that government employers face in balancing the needs of diverse employees. The outcome could set an important precedent for how far employers must go to accommodate religious objections to LGBTQ+ displays and celebrations.