Rev. Thomas Crouse, who organized Worcester’s Mr. Hetero Contest back in February, is now suing the city of Worcester, MA, claiming that they violated his constitutional rights when Worcester police billed him for providing security for the event.

“Mr. Heterosexual 2006 — A Celebration of God’s Design” drew heavy criticism from LGBT civil rights groups, local politicians and the Human Rights Commission.

As opposition mounted Crouse asked for five police officers to provide security, but after Police Chief Gary J. Gemme met with Norma Sandison, executive director of Mechanics Hall the security detail was beefed up to 20 officers.

A handful of protesters demonstrated outside the hall on Feb 18 as the event went on and the number of people inside the hall was reportedly sparse.

When Rev. Crouse got the bill for the police detail he decided to go to court.

Supported by the Alliance Defense Fund, an Arizona legal group that fights against LGBT issues across the country, Crouse says in his lawsuit that his constitutional right to free speech was violated by the heavy police presence. Crouse also claims that police were responsible for the low turnout at the event.

His suit demands reimbursement for unspecified damages, legal fees and asks for an injunction against future fees should Crouse decide to hold other events in Worcester.

You start the trouble, you pay for the cops? Sounds like a good idea to me. And he did start the trouble; he knew what the reaction to the contest would be (we all did), and he continued to move forward with the event.