California Firefighters' Suit Over Gay Pride Parade Goes To Court

SAN DIEGO --

Jury selection began Monday in the civil suit brought by four firefighters who claim they were harassed during last year's Gay Pride Parade.

The firefighters claim they received threats after filing a complaint with the state for being "forced" to participate in the parade in July of 2007.In their suit, they allege that they were taunted with sexually explicit comments while driving a fire engine in the parade.

Their complaint led to a new policy within the department, which states they will rely solely on volunteers for future parade participation. The fire department said it has participated in the parade for 15 years and has never received complaints, and also said it was a lack of volunteers that led to the assignment.