A high-ranking police lieutenant in California has been officially placed on paid administrative leave after a letter he wrote to a newspaper strongly condemning the US Supreme Court’s ruling to legalize same-sex marriage nationwide was published.

Lt Toby Will, who has served the city of Stockton for two decades, signed the letter with his rank and employer and confirmed with the newspaper editor that is how he wanted it to appear in print, according to media reports.

His letter, which appeared in the Stockton Record on Wednesday, began with a biblical passage that condemned homosexual behavior.

The letter continued: ‘Man’s rebellion, ungodliness, and unrighteousness in rejecting the truth in order that he may live according to the vile and sinful passions of his corrupt heart is going to be met with the wrath of God.’

A day after the letter was published, the newspaper reported that the letter has ‘received special attention’ as it was written by a ‘high-ranking officer with the Stockton Police Department’.

In his correspondence with the newspaper, Will said he is aware that the letter which is signed with his public position might ‘have a negative impact on an otherwise impeccable police career.’

He said, ‘I feel very strongly regarding this issue. Much (not all), but much of the media leaves the public with the sense that this recent turn of events is being embraced by the broader public, as well as most spheres of professional society. This is not the case; and I would just like to be one voice, as a lieutenant of a moderate sized police agency that makes it very clear that I operate from a biblical world view, not a pop-culture one.’

Police department spokesman Officer Joe Silva clarified on Wednesday that Will ‘does not speak for the Police Department, and regarding his use of his police position, it is under administrative review.’

Following the publication of the letter, Police Chief Eric Jones also made a call to the San Joaquin Pride Center ‘to reassure them that Will does not speak for the Police Department,’ the spokesperson said.

The centre has conducted LGBT sensitivity training for the police department.

Renee Hall, chairwoman of the Pride Center board of directors, expressed her dismay with the letter saying that while everyone has the right to express their beliefs, there is a ‘fine line, especially when you are a police officer.’

‘How can you be a police officer when you don’t believe in the law? How are you going to be able to do your job? Are my wife and my child going to feel comfortable calling the Stockton police knowing he is not wanting to help us?’

Hall’s wife and partner of 33 years Susan Eggman, who represents Stockton in the California Assembly and previously served on the Stockton City Council, was equally distressed by the letter.

‘I think Lt. Will has put the city of Stockton and the Stockton Police Department in a very uncomfortable position in that he insisted that his title be used and going on record that he does not believe in the law,’ she was quoted by the Record as saying.

‘It is doubly sad that he insisted to be identified with one of the best police departments in the state of California.’

‘I think he crossed the line when he started using language like vile and debauchery. As far as being representative of the city, as an LGBT person, if I see a letter like that signed by a public official, I would be appalled and I don’t know if I would want to spend my money in Stockton.’

The newspaper printed several letters from readers in support as well as those who agreed with Will.

One reader wrote, ‘I resent this man with real authority insinuating his law enforcement position into this discussion.’