Bacher v. City of North Ridgeville

On December 31, 1971, the plaintiff (appellant), Gary F. Baeher, took his oath of office as a fireman in the city of North Ridgeville, Ohio. He swore therein to support the constitutions of the United States and Ohio. He also swore to uphold the charter and laws of the city and to faithfully discharge his duties as a fireman.

Subsequently, plaintiff became interested in, and was officially dedicated into, a religious sect known as Jehovah’s Witnesses on February 10, 1974. On February 6, February 18, and March 8, Í974, he refused a direct order from a superior officer to raise the United States…