Calgary Transit driver who refused to drive rainbow bus allegedly relieved of duties
Speaking through his church, bus driver Jesse Rau says he has been fired from his position with Calgary Transit two weeks after expressing his unwillingness to operate the ‘Ride with Pride’ rainbow bus due to his Christian beliefs.
On August 27, the day of the Pride Bus unveiling, Rau told CTV Calgary that he feared for the future of his promising career over his refusal to drive a bus that ‘clearly promoted the homosexual movement’.
“I have a family to support and I am very concerned about losing the job,” said Rau on August 27. “It’s something I’m very proud to be a part of, but when it goes against the most important things I stand for, or if I’m asked to compromise in such a big way for what I believe to be right, then I have to lose my job.”
Street Church pastor Artur Pawlowski confirms Rau, a member of his church, was fired after undergoing a special meeting with transit management that concentrated on Rau’s personal beliefs and social media posts.
Calgary Transit will not comment on personnel matters.