Former music director sues Catholic church for firing

CHICAGO (AP) — The former music director of a suburban Chicago Catholic parish who was fired after becoming engaged to his same-sex partner is suing the parish and the Archdiocese of Chicago.

Colin Collette filed the lawsuit Monday, saying the church's conduct was discriminatory and violated county, state and federal human rights laws. Collette worked at Holy Family Catholic Church in Inverness for 17 years. The parish asked him to resign as music director in 2014 soon after he announced his engagement. He wouldn't resign and was dismissed.

A spokeswoman for the archdiocese said it does not comment on ongoing litigation.

Collette told the Chicago Tribune on Monday that he hopes to return to work in the Catholic church again one day. He is seeking reinstatement, back pay and benefits, damages and attorneys' fees.

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press.

The Gayly- 3/8/2016 @ 12:06 PM CST