(RNS) A counseling student who declined to advise a gay client might have been expelled from her university because of her faith, a federal appeals court ruled on Friday (Jan. 27).
Citing her evangelical Christian religion, Julea Ward disagreed with professors at Eastern Michigan University who told her she was required to support the sexual orientation of her clients. When the graduate student was assigned a client who sought counseling on a same-sex relationship, she asked to have the client referred to another counselor.
Ward was then expelled from the school.
A lower court sided with the university, but Ward appealed, saying the school had violated her First Amendment rights to freedom of speech and free exercise of religion.
On Friday, the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals agreed that Ward could have a valid claim, and sent the case back to a district court for another hearing.
"A reasonable jury could conclude that Ward's professors ejected her from the counseling program because of hostility toward her speech and faith, not due to a policy against referrals," the appeals court ruled.
The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, which has helped defend Ward, hailed the ruling as a victory for religious freedom.
"No individual should be forced out of their profession solely because of her religious beliefs," said Eric Rassbach, the Becket Fund's national litigation director.
The Ypsilanti, Mich.-based university issued a statement noting that the court has not ruled in favor of Ward, but rather called for more legal consideration.
"This case has never been about religion or religious discrimination," the university said. "It is not about homosexuality or sexual orientation. This case is about what is in the best interest of a person who is in need of counseling."
gilhow | Feb 1, 2012 | 10:53am
Nonsense! Religion comes from antiquity. It was the mythology that attempted to respond to wonders about the world before the advent of scientific proofs. Anyone who still clings to “beliefs” from ancient mythologies that prevent them from functioning in science-based work should choose occupations in which their mythological faith finds no conflict. There should be no need to “fire” because they should never have chosen the field of conflict.
Ejskufca | Feb 4, 2012 | 4:19pm
so gilhow, you think if you have religious beliefs you shouldn’t be in the business of counseling (ie helping people) are you serious? there is no scientific proof to show that religions beliefs are false or true!
JW1951 | Mar 7, 2012 | 11:35am
How was it that Isaiah stated before science ever knew….that the earth was a round globe and not flat? How was it that David spoke of the DNA before the electron microscope?
Isaiah wrote that there is one who dwells above the ” circle of the earth” Isa 40:22 in what year? Do some homework!
David wrote ” I shall laud you cause in a fear inspiring way I am wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful, As my soul is well aware. My bone were not hidden from you When I was made in secret, When I was woven in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw even the embryo of me, And in your book all its parts written down. This is a beautiful science statement.. Don’t be fooled ! If there is a design….there is a designer!
The very Creator of science, math, biology, zoology, physics, astronomy, and all higher education is not man. Facts that cannot be hidden! Gravity, The suns distance from the earth, the moon and earth and planets cycle. The water cycle, food chain. the mystery of the brain and speech. Nothing new under the sun!! Just revealed discoveries that have always been there for man to search for…and give credit to. The master Creator. He even gave us his Name! No one can check his Mighty hand Jehovah! It is like a little kid swinging his arms frantically trying to punch at the giant that holds the poor little guys head at bay…Give it up. You can’t win Psalms * 83:18 Read it with pleasure that someone has your back side only if you are on his side!
He Blinds the eyes of the unbelievers…yet reveals all the evidence needed to prove their is only Grand Creator that never tires out.
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