A former St. Cloud police officer has filed a federal lawsuit alleging the police department discriminated against him because he’s gay. Twenty-seven-year-old Sean Lathrop worked for the St. Cloud Police Department from September 2006 until April, when he resigned.

Lathrop contends he was often recognized for his work until May 2009 when police officials learned of his sexual orientation. After that, Lathrop says things changed. He says he was subjected to anti-gay comments from police officials and had his responsibilities reduced. The police department issued a statement saying "the city vehemently denies" the allegations and looks forward to addressing them in court.