(LibertySociety.com) – A lawsuit has been filed against the Idaho National Guard, accused of anti-Christian bias preventing officers like Major David Worley from reaching command positions.
At a Glance
- Major David Worley, a Christian, was removed from command despite no proven wrongdoing.
- The lawsuit names state officials and suggests a formalized anti-Christian policy.
- Liberty Counsel claims these practices violate constitutional rights.
- The case underscores broader debates on religious freedom in the military.
Background of the Allegations
The Idaho National Guard faces accusations of anti-Christian discrimination, focused on prohibiting Christians from holding command positions. Major David Worley claims his demotion stemmed from his religious beliefs and social media activity, violating constitutional protections. Represented by Liberty Counsel, the lawsuit presents concerns about religious freedom and potential discrimination within military employment.
A lawsuit asserts that a policy to vet candidates for “concerning ideologies” underlies Worley’s removal, scrutinizing beliefs expressed outside military duties. This case aligns with efforts by former President Donald Trump aimed at addressing anti-Christian bias, signaled by appointing Attorney General Pam Bondi to lead a task force. Through this legal battle, the spotlight is on sustaining constitutional rights within military ranks.
“No Christians in Command” Policy?
The legal action accuses senior Idaho National Guard leaders, including Governor Brad Little, of enforcing an unwritten “No Christians in Command” policy. An investigation cleared Worley from alleged issues initiated by a subordinate’s complaint about a hostile work environment due to his beliefs. Nevertheless, Brigadier General James C. Packwood is identified as having labeled Worley’s views “toxic.” The scrutiny of social media and public records as per the unendorsed policy raises questions about objective criteria for evaluating “concerning ideologies.”
“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.” – Liberty Counsel Founder and Chairman Mat Staver.
Worley, in a political campaign, expressed objections to drag queen story hours and gender-related procedures. These views, posted on social media, became central in the subsequent complaint. Liberty Counsel frames this as a violation of First and Fourteenth Amendment rights, along with religious freedom protections under Idaho law.
Implications and Broader Concerns
The lawsuit seeks a permanent injunction against Christian discrimination in command roles within the Idaho National Guard. It also demands a restraining order to reinstate Major Worley. The suit argues that current policies constitute a “religious gerrymander” without rational basis, threatening free speech and religious expression.
“Staver said that Gen. James Packwood, assistant adjutant general of the Idaho Army National Guard, ‘concluded that Worley’s religious views were, quote, ‘toxic,’ close quote, and removed him from command, solely due to these previous, protected religious statements on his private social media.'” – Mat Staver.
This high-profile case adds to existing debates about the treatment of service members’ constitutional rights. With the ongoing investigation into perceived biases and President Trump’s executive orders aimed at combating anti-Christian sentiment, the outcome of this lawsuit may pave new paths for religious freedom debates in federal operations.
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