St. Cloud Police Officer Discrimination Lawsuit Stands

Settlement talks are set next month in a federal lawsuit filed by a former St. Cloud police officer who alleges the police department discriminated against him because he's gay.

On Monday, U.S. District Judge Donald Frank denied a request by the city for summary judgment on several claims in the lawsuit filed by Sean Lathrop.

Frank did grant the city's request for summary judgments on a couple of Lathrop's other claims.

Latrhop's attorney calls it a "well-reasoned decision." An attorney representing the city and police department members says she's confident the facts would support the city if the case goes to trial.

The St. Cloud Times reports a March 19 trial date is set if a settlement cannot be reached.

The city has denied that Lathrop was discriminated against.

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