American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Executive Vice President Alan Cooper wants two civilian supervisors at a Florida Air Force base fired for their outward support of "Duck Dynasty" star Phil Robertson.
The unnamed "Duck Dynasty" fans both had "I support Phil" bumper stickers on their cars, and one of them had the sticker in his cubicle and offered the decals to his employees.
Eglin Air Force base employees took pictures of the decals and sent the photos to the union. Cooper said that at least one bargaining union employee (BUE) thought action should be taken against the supervisors.
"The BUE was clearly offended and disgusted that a senior management official would display the decal on their pod," Cooper wrote to Fox News in an email.
"We took offense. These two particular individuals have a great amount of influence over individuals who may be gay, who may be African-American – and we have a concern they should not be in a position to exert that influence when it comes to promotions."
Phil Robertson—the "Duck Dynasty" family's patriarch—caused a media firestorm after he made a series of controversial comments in GQ Magazine, including condemning homosexuality.
One of the civilian supervisors said he did not mean to offend anyone with his "I support Phil" message.
"My intent was to support the show and to show support for his Christian values," he told Fox News. He also denied being intolerant.
"I'm pro-family," he said. "I'm pro-life. I don't have a problem with anybody who doesn't agree with me."
Eglin Director of Public Affairs Andy Bourland said that the military investigated the situation, and the base commander found no reason for the employees to remove the decals from the cars or their cubicles.
"Brigadier General Dave Harris is not taking any action against the individual as the display of such a bumper sticker is considered legally protected speech under the First Amendment," Bourland said, according to Fox News.
