Fired music director's suit against Inverness church continues

Colin Collette is suing Holy Family Catholic Community in Inverness and the Archdiocese of Chicago after he was fired in 2014 for publicly announcing his engagement to his male partner. A judge ruled Friday the case can continue. Courtesy of ABC 7 Chicago

A fired music director's federal discrimination lawsuit against the Archdiocese of Chicago will continue after a judge on Friday rejected the church's procedural motion to have the case dismissed.

Colin Collette sued the archdiocese and Holy Family Catholic Community in Inverness in March after he was fired in 2014 when he publicly announced his engagement to his male partner over Facebook. The federal complaint states Collette was told he was fired for "entering into a 'nonsacramental marriage.'"

The suit alleges the church and archdiocese violated federal, state and county laws when it terminated Collette's employment after 17 years.

Collette's attorneys say the legal process is expected to continue for some time.

"There remains a long road ahead but this validates our position that the suit merits review by the court," said attorney Kerry Lavelle in a news release.

Collette is seeking reinstatement, back pay, and compensatory and punitive damages.