Religious

Jury Awards Ex-BlueCross Scientist Over $687K for COVID-19 Vaccine Dismissal on Religious Grounds

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Chattanooga, TN – A Tennessee federal court has awarded more than $687,000 to a former BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee scientist after she was dismissed for not receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, citing religious beliefs. The decision, which could influence the way companies handle similar cases, underscores the conflicts between employer policies and individual rights under religious freedom protections. Tanja Benton, a longtime employee with over 17 years at BlueCross BlueShield, held a position as a bio statistical scientist before her separation from the company. The legal proceedings established that her refusal of the vaccine stemmed from … Read more

Kentucky Court Dismisses Religious Freedom Claim Against Abortion Law by Jewish Mothers

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FRANKFORT, Ky. — A Kentucky judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by three Jewish women who challenged the state’s restrictive abortion law, arguing that it infringed upon their religious beliefs which contend that life begins at birth, not conception. The decision highlights a complex intersection of reproductive rights and religious freedoms, underscoring the ongoing national debate over abortion laws. The women, represented by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), claimed that Kentucky’s near-total abortion ban violated their First Amendment rights by imposing beliefs that contradict their own religious convictions. They argued that their faith supports … Read more

Former Ohio High School Coaches Sue District Over Alleged ‘Sham’ Settlement in Religious Rights Violation Case

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CANTON, Ohio — Former coaches from Canton McKinley High School have initiated legal proceedings, claiming that the school district and its insurance provider orchestrated a settlement in a case that has drawn public attention for its alleged violation of a student’s religious rights. This legal action unfolds amid continuing controversy following the dismissal of the coaches due to an incident involving the forced consumption of food conflicting with a player’s religious beliefs. In June 2021, the head coach Marcus Wattley, along with six assistants, were terminated after accusations surfaced that they had coerced a player … Read more

Oklahoma Supreme Court Strikes Down Taxpayer-Funded Religious School, Ongoing Lawsuit Seeks to Uphold State Constitution

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Oklahoma City, Oklahoma — The Oklahoma Supreme Court recently ruled against the establishment of a taxpayer-funded religious school, marking a significant moment in the ongoing legal battles over publicly funded religious education in the state. The court found that the creation of St. Isidore of Seville, a virtual Catholic public charter school, violated the state constitution, putting a pause on its planned opening this year. This decision is not the end of the legal challenges facing St. Isidore. In Oklahoma County District Court, a class action lawsuit spearheaded by the Oklahoma Parent Legislative Action Committee … Read more