SPOKANE, Wash. — Former Washington lawmaker Matt Shea has filed a lawsuit against the city of Spokane, claiming that his rights were violated by the city and its council.
The lawsuit arises from controversy surrounding Shea’s appearance at a prayer event last year, which led to public condemnation from city leaders, including then-Mayor Nadine Woodward.
According to reports from the Spokesman-Review, Shea alleges that his involvement in the event has unjustly labeled him as a “domestic terrorist,” despite no criminal charges being filed against him. Shea contends that the city’s response to his participation has caused him significant reputational harm.
At the prayer event, Shea delivered remarks that included a comparison of same-sex marriage and transgender rights to the wildfires that affected the Medical Lake and Elk areas last summer. Spokane leaders condemned Shea’s comments as “violent rhetoric disguised as religion,” which they argue contributes to a hostile environment.
Woodward later stated that she was unaware Shea would be at the event and believed its primary purpose was to pray for wildfire victims. In response to the fallout, Woodward has also filed a claim for damages against Shea, proposing a settlement of $1.4 million.
