Connecticut firefighter files federal civil rights lawsuit over pregnancy-related sick days

A Connecticut firefighter has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit saying she was discriminated against when she became pregnant.

Bridgeport firefighter Regina Scates filed her lawsuit in U.S. District Court alleging violations of the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the Connecticut Fair Employment Practices Act.

The 37-year-old Scates alleges the city unfairly disciplined her last year for taking pregnancy-related sick days and then forced her to take an unpaid maternity leave despite providing unlimited paid sick leave for non-pregnancy-related physical disabilities. She says she was still capable of working when she was placed on leave. She's seeking unspecified monetary damages.

The city of about 150,000 residents hasn't responded to the lawsuit, which was filed Friday. City attorney Mark Anastasi hasn't returned a phone message left Monday seeking comment.