by Jorge Gomez • 1 minute
In 2023, First Liberty secured a landmark victory for our Faithful Carrier, Gerald Groff, a U.S. Postal Service worker who lost his job because of his religious beliefs about honoring the Sabbath. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled unanimously in favor of Gerald and set a major precedent strengthening protections for religious Americans at work.
The ruling in Groff v. DeJoy clarified the legal standard for religious accommodation at work. It held that employers are required to accommodate religious employees under federal law, unless doing so would have substantial increased costs on the business—which is a higher standard than courts previously used.
The Supreme Court sent Gerald’s case back to the district court, instructing the judge to reconsider the case in light of that new standard.
Despite the Supreme Court’s clear direction, the postal service keeps trying to evade responsibility for discriminating against Gerald. The federal district court recently ruled against Postal Service and ordered a trial for Gerald’s case, which is likely to take place in a several weeks.
This is an important step forward that could help deliver a full and complete victory for Gerald.
“The Supreme Court’s ruling is making a difference on the ground for real people. The trial court’s ruling is proof that courts are taking religious employees’ right to religious accommodations seriously—allowing more employees of faith to present their cases in court before a jury of their peers,” said First Liberty Senior Counsel Stephanie Taub.
First Liberty is representing Gerald alongside the law firm Baker Botts, the Church State Council, Cornerstone Law and the Independence Law Center.
In this interview, Taub is joined by attorney Randy Wenger of the Independence Law Center to explain what’s next as we prepare for trial:
Thank you for standing strong with Gerald and First Liberty. Your ongoing prayers and financial support are the reason why our legal team can keep fighting—and winning—for everyday heroes like Gerald. You share a special part in this precedent-setting Supreme Court decision that will impact religious freedom in our country for decades to come.
We could not have won at the Supreme Court for Gerald and millions of Americans without you.
With the district court’s ruling in hand, we have an opportunity to hold USPS accountable and finalize this legal battle. We still have plenty of work to do, and Gerald needs your continued support.
Will you stand with him by making a timely donation today? Please give to First Liberty.
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