A lawsuit filed against the Idaho Army National Guard alleges discrimination against Christians in command roles, sparking a debate on religious freedom in the military.
At a Glance
- Liberty Counsel sues Idaho Army National Guard for removing Major David Worley from command over his Christian beliefs
- Lawsuit claims an unconstitutional “No Christians in Command” policy
- Major Worley was removed despite an investigation finding no wrongdoing
- The case highlights tensions between religious expression and military policies
- Lawsuit seeks injunction against discrimination and restoration of Worley’s position
Christian Officer Removed from Command
Liberty Counsel, a non-profit legal organization, has filed a lawsuit against the Idaho Army National Guard on behalf of Major David Worley. The suit alleges that Worley was unlawfully removed from command due to his Christian beliefs on biblical sexuality, which he expressed outside of his military duties. This action has brought to light concerns about religious freedom within the military and the extent to which service members can express their personal beliefs.
The lawsuit names Governor Brad Little, Major General Timothy J. Donnellan, and Brigadier General James C. Packwood as defendants. It claims that the Idaho Army National Guard has implemented what amounts to a “No Christians in Command” policy, which Liberty Counsel argues is unconstitutional and violates several federal and state laws.
“The U.S. Supreme Court has long held that military members do not shed their constitutional rights when they step forward to serve the nation. Nor are the military departments immune to the laws protecting their individual freedoms,” Liberty Counsel Founder and Chairman Mat Staver said.
The issue arose when Major Worley, during a Mayoral campaign, expressed his religious views on controversial topics such as “Drag Queen Story Hours” and gender-related medical procedures for minors. These statements were made outside of his military duties but became a point of contention within the National Guard.
Because apparently not wanting to expose children to sexualized character is…wrong?
A subordinate filed a discrimination complaint against Worley, claiming a hostile work environment due to Worley’s beliefs. However, an investigation found these claims to be unsubstantiated. Despite this finding, Worley was removed from command, with his beliefs labeled as “toxic” by military leadership.
Insane…
The lawsuit, therefore, challenges a policy that suggests scrutinizing candidates’ public records and social media for concerning information as a condition for their hiring. Liberty Counsel argues that this policy is a “religious gerrymander” lacking rational basis and violates the First and Fourteenth Amendments, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, and the Idaho Free Exercise of Religious Protection Act.
“By suspending and removing Major David Worley from command over his Christian beliefs, the Idaho Army National Guard informally adopted an unconstitutional ‘No Christians in Command’ policy. The Constitution simply does not allow the military to punish those with sincerely held religious beliefs or to specifically target religion for disparate and discriminatory treatment,” Staver added.
The case has drawn attention to potential anti-Christian bias in military institutions, prompting calls for investigation. It highlights the delicate balance between maintaining military order and respecting individual religious freedoms. The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for how religious expression is handled within the armed forces.
Liberty Counsel is seeking a permanent injunction against discrimination of Christians in the Idaho Army National Guard and a temporary restraining order to restore Major Worley to his position. The organization argues that military members retain their constitutional rights and should not be punished for their religious beliefs, especially when expressed outside of their official duties.
