Pastor Fired from Library Over Pronoun Dispute

A pastor in Louisiana claims he was terminated from his library position this month after declining to use preferred pronouns for transgender staff members.

Luke Ash, the lead pastor at Stevendale Baptist Church in Baton Rouge, worked as a library technician at the East Baton Rouge Parish Library until his firing on July 10. He recently discussed the incident with Tony Perkins, who chairs the Family Research Council.

Ash recounted that during a conversation on July 7, he learned about a new staff member, a biological woman who preferred male pronouns. He stated, “I refused to use those preferred pronouns. The next day, my supervisor and reference manager blamed me, and I was fired on Thursday morning.”

According to reports, Ash received a copy of the library’s policy, which outlines employees’ rights to create an environment that is “welcoming, accepted and respected,” and to be addressed by their chosen name and pronoun.

However, Ash expressed that he felt he couldn’t compromise his religious beliefs and was informed of his termination a few days later. During a library board meeting last Thursday, several local pastors confronted the committee, demanding Ash’s reinstatement.

A Rev. Louis Richerson addressed the board but was interrupted multiple times by members who claimed he was going off agenda, asserting he was violating public meeting laws.

Richerson defended his comments, stating they related to the library’s budget concerns. Over 30 pastors also sent a letter to the Library Committee on July 17, urging them to revise their policy in light of this situation.

Despite requests for comments, the East Baton Rouge Parish Library did not respond. The unfolding events have sparked a broader conversation about workplace policies and the intersection of personal beliefs and inclusivity.