Gays Harassed Him, Clergyman Says

SAN FRANCISCO — An American Airlines pilot ordered passengers to remain seated after a conservative minister complained he felt threatened by gay activists returning from a Washington, D.C., march, the airline said Thursday.

An American Airlines spokesman said Lou Sheldon, founder of the Traditional Values Coalition, told a flight attendant he felt harassed by a group of gay and lesbian activists who were trying to talk to him.

The captain moved Sheldon to the first-class cabin and told passengers to remain in their seats, according to airline spokesman Tim Smith.

Smith said the captain had the right to seat passengers if he believed "turbulence outside or inside the aircraft" threatened safety on board.

Tuesday's flight was headed to California with a stopover in Chicago.