Editor-in-Chief Fired for Writing Personal Blog Post Defending Religious Beliefs

An Iowa man has been terminated from his position as the Editor-in-Chief of the Newton Daily News for writing a personal blog post that stated his religious position. Bob Eschliman has now filed suit against his former employer, Shaw Media, arguing that he cannot be fired for his religious beliefs. 

Eschliman’s blog post, entitled “The Deceivers are Hard at Work,” outlined his disagreement a Bible translation called the “Queen James Bible.” 

He wrote that the translation was intended for “the LGBTQXYZ crowd and the Gaystapo" to "make their sinful nature 'right with God.'"

"[Jesus] said there would be deceivers. He said those deceivers would cause Christians who remain true to His teachings to become reviled. He said false prophets would follow to deceive even more, and that lawlessness will abound.

"If you ask me, it sounds like the Gaystapo is well on its way. We must fight back against the enemy."

After receiving harsh criticism for his words, Eschliman deleted the post. He was placed on paid leave from Shaw Media and fired on May 5. 

The Newton Daily News published an editorial explaining Eschliman’s termination. They said he "is entitled to his opinion, his public airing of it compromised the reputation of this newspaper and his ability to lead it."

The Liberty Institute is defending Eschliman in the lawsuit. In a statement, the lawyers said, "No one should be fired because of their faith. Firing a person for his or her sincerely-held religious beliefs is against the law in the United States, and if this wrong is not brought to justice, the freedom of religious expression will quickly begin to deteriorate."

Publication date: July 29, 2014