A federal appeals court reversed a ruling that a Catholic school in North Carolina was in violation of federal employment protections by firing a teacher who announced his marriage on social media. The court determined that Lonnie Billard fell under the ministerial exception to Title VII, which protects religious institutions in how they treat employees who perform tasks central to their religious missions. Billard, who primarily taught English and drama at the school, was let go because of his advocacy for a position opposed to the church’s teachings on marriage.
The court found that Charlotte Catholic High School expected instructors to integrate faith into the curriculum, including subjects like English and drama. This expectation of bringing a Catholic perspective to secular subjects played a significant role in the decision to terminate Billard’s employment. The court’s opinion, written by Circuit Judge Pamela Harris, highlighted the school’s belief that teaching Shakespeare should be approached from a religious perspective, indicating the importance of a Catholic ethos in all educational activities.
Lonnie Billard had worked at the school for over a decade before being terminated in 2012. He sued in 2017 after being let go, citing discrimination based on his sexual orientation. The court’s decision has been criticized by organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union, which argued that the ruling could set a precedent for allowing discriminatory firings based on personal characteristics. However, supporters of the decision, such as the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, see it as a victory for religious freedom and the rights of religious institutions to uphold their teachings.
The court’s decision was supported by Judge Paul Niemeyer, who agreed with the ministerial exception application in this case. Judge Robert King also concurred with the reversal of the ruling but raised questions about the use of the ministerial exemption. Billard expressed disappointment with the court’s decision, emphasizing the importance of not being discriminated against based on who you love and choose to marry. The case has drawn attention from various legal and religious organizations, underscoring the complex issues surrounding religious freedom, discrimination, and employment law.
Overall, the court’s ruling in favor of the Catholic school highlights the challenges of balancing religious freedoms with employment protections. While the decision may have implications for future cases involving the intersection of religious institutions and employment law, it also raises questions about the extent to which personal beliefs and actions can be regulated by employers. The case serves as a reminder of the ongoing debates surrounding LGBTQ rights, religious freedom, and the limits of legal protections in the workplace.
