Thu 7 Apr 2011 In: International News View at Wayback View at NDHA
An American appellate court has ruled that a Chicago Wal-Mart was justified in firing a Christian woman who screamed a tirade of anti-gay remarks at a fellow staff member. In September of 2005, a lesbian employee was approached by her colleague, Tanisha Matthews. During a break in the overnight shift, Matthews began shouting at the woman, given only as Amy in court documents. The court ruling reads: "Over the next three months, Wal-Mart investigated the incident by interviewing and obtaining statements from employees who were present during the conversation. In her statement, Amy reported that Matthews was 'screaming over her' that God does not accept gays, they should not 'be on earth,' and they will 'go to hell' because they are not 'right in the head.' Five other employees confirmed that Matthews had said that gays are sinners and are going to hell." Matthews was fired for violating the chain's non-discrimination policy. The Apostolic Christian then filed a claim that her religious beliefs were violated. The court has ruled that Wal-Mart “fired [Matthews] because she violated company policy when she harassed a coworker, not because of her beliefs,” the judges wrote, as excerpted in the Chicago Sun-Times.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Thursday, 7th April 2011 - 12:47pm