Ryan Uhler thought he was posting a harmless joke on Facebook when he compared marrying his dog to same-sex marriage.
The 32-year-old, a resident of Cape Coral, Florida, got fired from his position as a digital marketing specialist after posting the message after the Supreme Court’s June 26 ruling regarding same-sex marriage, according to The Huffington Post.
“How is marrying a dog different if you love them? Today I hope we can focus on doggy-style love. I love my dog Rocco, and he loves me. Hopefully one day we can be married,” Uhler.
The reaction that he got for his recent joke was unexpected.
“I was blindsided,” stated Uhler.
“I didn’t think anyone there knew how to use Facebook.”
Trial lawyer Scot Goldberg reportedly told the station WZVN that while the company’s actions are “a little bit over the line,” Uhler’s former bosses have legal recourse, as no reason is needed for firing without notice in Florida, according to the publication The Blaze.
Uhler’s company reportedly told him that they were uncomfortable with the connotation of bestiality.
“It wasn’t about that at all,” explained Uhler.
‘It’s about loving a dog. People have told me, ‘I have a dog and I’d make that joke too.’”
Uhler reportedly stated that he likes to go on Facebook and “stir the pot” sometimes in “either direction,” according to the Palm BeachPost.
“I’m very neutral about politics. Sometimes, I will try and get a reaction to spark comments and responses,” Uhler.
“I really didn’t want to offend. I have gay people I know and love and I wouldn’t want to offend them, but they know my sense of humor.”
