PetSmart Faces Ex-Manager’s Bias Suit Over LGBTQ+ Store Policy

PetSmart LLC allegedly engaged in religious bias against a Christian store manager who raised concerns about the retailer’s policy to ask any customer who complained about LGBTQ+ decorations during Pride Month to leave the store immediately.

John J. Ochtyun, who worked for the pet superstore for 16 years, sued alleging religious discrimination in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Virginia Human Rights Act in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.

Ochtyun says that in May 2023, PetSmart adopted a new policy requiring employees to immediately remove customers questioning its ...