A Huge Win for Freedom of Conscience in Minnesota!

Several years ago, three prison guards in Minnesota were forced to undergo so-called “diversity training”, called “Gays and Lesbians in the Workplace.” The guards had expressed their religious objections to such “training”, but were told by their supervisor that they would have to attend or face disciplinary action.

The three guards attended, but silently read their Bibles in the back of the room while the presentation was being given. During the presentation, the “diversity trainer” stated that they must rid the workplace of “heterosexism” defined as “the belief in the superiority of heterosexuality over homosexuality.”

Despite the fact that their decision to read their Bibles was not in violation of any written rules, the three men discovered not long thereafter that they were being investigated for “sexual harassment.” (Others in the room were allowed to read books and magazines unrelated to the course material). In fact, one of the state’s trainers said that the mere presence of the guards sitting quietly with their Bibles on their laps created a “hostile work environment” and was “intimidating” to the presenters.

They were subsequently found guilty and made subject to disciplinary action. One guard lost a promotion that he was entitled to. With the assistance of ADF allied attorney Frank Manion, along with ADF funding, two of the guards brought suit against the Minnesota Department of Corrections.

On August 2nd, a nine-person jury unanimously agreed that the Minnesota Department of Corrections had violated the free speech and equal protection rights of the employees and concluded that they had been discriminated against because of their religious beliefs. The three prison guards were awarded damages of over $78,000, including $60,000 in punitive damages.

Frank Manion commented on the case: “This jury verdict sends a loud message to government officials that they cannot single out and punish employees for their [Christian] beliefs. The jury clearly let the state of Minnesota know that punishing employees for expressing their religious views is not only wrong, but violates their basic constitutional rights as well.”