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I'm not entirely sure where I stand on this one. Personally, since it's a private employer, I think it hinges on whether employees simply had to attend them as part of their paid work duties, or if there was actual discrimination for not believing what was discussed in the Bible studies. But religion is also a protected class, so it might still be wrong. Argh!
This is why most people don't take libertarian or ancap arguments seriously. All you are advocating for is the tyranny of the business owner instead of the state.
There are several reasons not to take ancap/libertarian arguments seriously.
How does one reconcile simultaneously being a capitalist entrepreneur and a Marxist?
The crony corporatist society we have now sure isn't benefitting those who aren't wealthy. Socialism ensures that no one's wealthy, but it sure makes people starve.
I'm not a marxist. I'm a advocate for social democracy like they have over in Europe. Unlike you my ideology is not simply about lining my pocket.
I'm interested to see how this plays out. Presuming this is an at-will employment state, I suspect the ruling would favor the business owner.
Has anyone here worked for an employer that has invoked religious study or practice in the workplace? I used to work for a medical professional whose "morning huddles" with staff included scripture references and mini-sermons. I wasn't a fan, but I enjoyed getting a paycheck, so I followed along. Of course, it was completely hypocritical, because the doctor did not practice what was preached in the least.
I am a Christian but I am NO fan of this. On the one hand if I was this guy I might look at it as paid nap time. I've been known to nod off in meetings.
That said, I would not want to have to attend something I disagreed with to get a pay check and do not believe anyone else should have to either. I'd have to think about the legal issue here but I can't imagine him not winning this case.
There have been a number of conflicting local reports about this. Some have characterized the construction company as being something on par as a "12-step" type program where there is certainly a religious component about it. If that's the case (and again, it seems unclear in the various reports) then I suppose the worker shouldn't be surprised at the company's reaction. On the other hand, if it wasn't clear at the time of employment that participation in religious activities were mandatory then the worker has an excellent case against the company.
Regardless of how this shakes out, it's a great example that mixing religion and employment policy is a poor idea.
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Lawsuit: Oregon Construction Worker Fired for Refusing to Attend Bible Study
