A police officer who was allegedly told to "tone down his gayness" if he wanted to be promoted has been awarded almost $20million in damages.
Sgt Keith Wildhaber filed a lawsuit against St. Louis County Police force in Missouri after he claimed he was discriminated against at work due to his sexuality.
The officer claimed he was passed over 23 times for promotion and was told he needed to change if he wanted to rise the ranks to lieutenant.
Sgt Wildhaber told a jury that, after he filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, he was transferred, against his wishes, to a different area.
On Friday the court awarded the officer $1.9million in actual damages and $10million in punitive damages on the discrimination claim. It added $999,000 in actual damages and $7 million in punitive damages for the retaliation claim.
"We wanted to send a message," the jury foreman, who was not identified, told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
"If you discriminate, you are going to pay a big price. You can't defend the indefensible."
Following the verdict, St. Louis County leaders called for a police leadership shakeup.
Councillor Lisa Clancy said police chief Jon Belmar should resign due to a "culture of rampant racism and homophobia."
Mr Belmar did not respond to a request for comment.
