Federal judge Brantley Starr is standing firm on his decision to require lawyers for Southwest Airlines to undergo “religious liberty” training from the Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), a conservative group known for opposing abortion and LGBTQ+ rights. In response to Southwest’s argument that the court-ordered training violates its First Amendment rights, Starr dismissed it as a mere complaint rather than a valid legal objection.
Starr’s ruling came in a case involving Charlene Carter, a Southwest flight attendant who sent graphic anti-abortion messages to a coworker and made derogatory comments. Southwest terminated Carter’s employment, citing her conduct as unacceptable. However, Carter sued the airline, claiming religious discrimination, and a jury ruled in her favor. Southwest is appealing the decision.
In August, Starr found that Southwest had not adequately informed its flight attendants about his ruling or their protected religious freedoms under Title VII, a federal employment discrimination law. As a result, he ordered three Southwest lawyers to undergo a minimum of eight hours of religious liberty training by the ADF.
The ADF, though described as an esteemed nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving free speech and religious freedom, is known for its contentious views on abortion and LGBTQ+ rights. It has defended cases seeking to criminalize homosexual conduct and has litigated in favor of Christian bakers and website designers who refuse to provide services for same-sex weddings. Currently, the ADF is arguing for the removal of the abortion drug Mifepristone from the market. While the ADF is within its rights to hold such views, forcing lawyers to undergo training by the ADF contradicts the principles of the First Amendment.
Starr’s recent opinion rejected Southwest’s request to stay the training order while the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit considers the airline’s appeal. He argued that the training would not harm Southwest but would be beneficial to flight attendants who are unaware of the injunction protecting them. However, this mandatory indoctrination, lasting at least eight hours, poses potential harm to lawyers who disagree with the ADF’s view of constitutional rights and the balance between religious freedom and other protections.
Southwest argued that the court’s order violated its rights by requiring religious liberty training conducted by an organization that holds a religious viewpoint. Starr dismissed this argument, suggesting that the ADF is better suited to train Southwest’s lawyers, who appear to struggle with understanding religious liberties in the workplace.
Starr’s response raises concerns about his disregard for the First Amendment and his predetermined position on the matter. Although judges have the authority to maintain order in their courtrooms and address misconduct, the ADF-led training seems inappropriate and excessive. Other judges have imposed training conducted by accredited law schools or additional ethics instruction as alternative means of compliance. Southwest argued that no comparable decision has ever subjected lawyers to training by an ideological advocacy group like the ADF.
While the 5th Circuit, known for its conservative stance, may be hesitant to overturn this order, it is disheartening to think that court-ordered indoctrination is deemed acceptable in our country.
Original Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/a-trump-judge-sends-southwest-airlines-to-right-wing-reeducation-camp/2021/10/04/e4cfa010-258b-11ec-a1b3-9d01950048d4_story.html?tid=ss_tw
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
