The City of Alexandria VA, the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia, Episcopal priest Bob Malm, and Grace Episcopal Church in Alexandria VA have been sued in federal district court over allegations that they have conspired to infringe the rights of former parishioner Eric Bonetti and his same-sex husband, after Malm allegedly committed perjury in court in an effort to prevent Bonetti from criticizing Malm and the church online. The suit further alleges that the city has denied Bonetti equal protection and the due process of the laws in refusing to investigate the allegations concerning Malm, and repeatedly used the police department to try to harass and intimidate Bonetti, often over bogus allegations of criminal conduct by Bonetti. The suit also asserts that officers in the departments internal affairs unit have lied about their conduct involving Bonetti.