Atlanta Chief Cochran Suspended After Penning Book Condemning Homosexuality

Atlanta Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran has been suspended after condemning homosexuality in a book he recently published.

He has been suspended for a month without pay, and must take sensitivity training, according to WSBTV.

In the book "Who Told You That You Were Naked," Cochran identified himself as chief and said it was his mission "to cultivate its culture to the glory of God," the station reported.

Among the excerpts in Cochran's book:

• “Uncleanness — whatever is opposite of purity; including sodomy, homosexuality, lesbianism, pederasty, bestiality, all other forms of sexual perversion.”

• “Naked men refuse to give in, so they pursue sexual fulfillment through multiple partners, with the opposite sex, the same sex and sex outside of marriage and many other vile, vulgar and inappropriate ways which defile their body-temple and dishonor God.”

Several firefighters complained to city officials last week after allegedly getting the book from their chief while on duty.

Mayor Kasim Reed released the following statement Monday afternoon: "I was surprised and disappointed to learn of this book on Friday. I profoundly disagree with and am deeply disturbed by the sentiments expressed in the paperback regarding the LGBT community. I will not tolerate discrimination of any kind within my administration."

He added that the city has a number of laws that prohibity discrimination.

Deputy Chief Joel Baker is serving as acting fire chief.