Christian worker files complaint to Trump admin after being fired over pronoun policy

Spencer Wimmer, a Wisconsin man, is seeking intervention from the Trump administration after he claims he was fired from his job at Generac for refusing to use preferred pronouns that conflict with a person’s biological sex. Wimmer, a devout Christian, believes that he was forced to choose between his livelihood and his faith, leading him to file a religious discrimination complaint through the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL) to the Trump U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

Wimmer had worked at Generac for five years and had received positive performance reviews and promotions, leading him to believe he had a promising career at the company. However, things took a turn when he was confronted by human resources about his refusal to use someone’s preferred pronouns. Wimmer’s religious beliefs dictate that there are only two genders and that a person cannot switch between them, leading to his refusal to use transgender pronouns.

Despite having a good working relationship with a transgender colleague in the past, Wimmer found himself reprimanded for his refusal to use preferred pronouns based on religious grounds. After feeling targeted and bullied for his beliefs, Wimmer was ultimately fired from his supervisor role at Generac. He described the experience as “heartbreaking” and felt like he had to choose between his livelihood and his faith.

WILL, the firm representing Wimmer, argues that Generac violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act by discriminating against him based on his religious beliefs. They believe that his case could have broader implications for Americans facing similar situations in the workplace. The case challenges the validity of an employer’s compelled gender affirmation policy against an employee’s sincerely held religious beliefs.

Wimmer expressed that he never asked Generac to choose between him and his transgender colleague, and believes that there could have been a compromise to maintain a professional environment. However, he feels that his beliefs were deemed unacceptable by the company, leaving no room for compromise.

In response to requests for comment, Generac declined to provide a statement on the matter. Wimmer hopes that President Donald Trump will take action on his behalf and address workplace discrimination tied to gender identity policies. The case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by individuals who hold religious beliefs that conflict with workplace diversity and inclusion practices.