CHICAGO (AP) — A gay music director fired after he publicized his same-sex marriage engagement can continue his lawsuit against the Archdiocese of Chicago and the parish where he worked after a federal judge declined to dismiss the complaint.

The (Arlington Heights) Daily Herald reports that the judge issued the ruling Friday.

Colin Collette filed the lawsuit in March, saying the church’s conduct was discriminatory and violated county, state and federal human rights laws. Collette worked at Holy Family Catholic Church in Inverness for 17 years.

Collette says the parish asked him to resign after he made his engagement public on Facebook. He says he would not resign and he was fired in 2014.

Collette is seeking reinstatement, back pay and benefits, damages and attorneys’ fees.

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