SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A Salt Lake City police officer who was put on leave and later resigned after he objected to riding in the motorcycle brigade at the front of last year's gay pride parade is speaking out against what he believes was a violation of his religious liberties.

The 33-year-old Eric Moutsos says he was unfairly branded a bigot despite simply asking to swap roles and work a different part of the parade. Moutsos, a Mormon, says he felt uncomfortable because of his religious views.

He said he's coming out with his story now to be a voice in a national debate about LGBT rights and religious protections.

Salt Lake Police stand behind their decision to put him on leave, saying any hint of personal biases can affect an officer's ability to do his job.