Washington, DC—The Supreme Court of the United States today heard oral argument in Groff v. DeJoy. Groff is represented by the Independence Law Center, First Liberty Institute, Baker Botts LLP, the Church State Council.
Randall Wenger, Chief Counsel of the Independence Law Center:
We should never ask Americans to sacrifice their faith to keep a job. Everyone benefits by treating religious employees respectfully. Restoring Title VII to its original meaning motivates everyone from the boardroom to the mail room to find a solution that works for the business as a whole.
Kelly Shackelford, President, CEO, and Chief Counsel to First Liberty Institute:
No American should be forced to choose between their faith and the job they love. Our nation has a long history of protecting its employees from being treated differently at work just because of their faith. We are hopeful the Court will restore religious liberty in the workplace.
Gerald Groff:
No employee should have to choose between his faith and his career like I did. I am grateful to have had my case heard by the U.S. Supreme Court—an opportunity few others in my situation have ever had. Only God knows the final outcome of my case; I still trust Him even if my decision to honor the Lord’s Day costs me my career. I hope this case results in a decision that allows others to be able to maintain their convictions without living in fear of losing their jobs because of what they believe.
Aaron Streett of Baker Botts, who presented argument to the Justices on behalf of Gerald Groff:
Courts have interpreted Title VII so restrictively that employers need not grant even the most simple of accommodations to religious observers to enable them to follow their faith. The Justices have the opportunity in this case to restore religious liberty to the workplace. An America that values religious pluralism should respect the religious liberty rights of every employee.
Alan Reinach of Church State Council:
The way the courts have interpreted Title VII ever since Hardison has put those who adhere to certain religious traditions at a disadvantage. Making sure everyone is treated fairly affirms our nation’s historic commitment to religious diversity, even at work.
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About Independence Law Center
Independence Law Center is a non-profit legal organization and civil rights law firm specializing in First Amendment issues.
To arrange an interview, contact Dan Bartkowiak at dbart@indlawcenter.org or by calling 717-736-9281.
About First Liberty Institute
First Liberty Institute is the largest legal organization in the nation dedicated exclusively to defending religious freedom for all Americans.
To arrange an interview, contact Peyton Luke at media@firstliberty.org.
About the Church State Council
The Church State Council is the oldest public policy organization in the western United States devoted to religious freedom and the separation of church and state. It is a Seventh-day Adventist organization, the public affairs and religious liberty ministry of the Pacific Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. The Council’s legal services ministry focuses on serving those who need religious accommodation in the workplace or suffer discrimination.
