A Catholic school in North Carolina has been granted the legal right to fire a gay teacher who announced his marriage to another man on social media a decade ago, according to a recent federal appeals court ruling. The decision, which overturned a previous ruling, has sparked controversy and debate surrounding employment protections and religious freedom.
Lonnie Billard, a former teacher at Charlotte Catholic High School, was not brought back as a substitute teacher due to his public support for a position that contradicted the teachings of the Catholic Church on marriage. The court ruled that Billard fell under a “ministerial exception” to Title VII, which protects religious institutions in their treatment of employees who play a central role in their religious mission.
Despite a 2020 Supreme Court ruling that extended Title VII protections to workers terminated for being gay or transgender, the appeals court determined that Billard’s role at the school was closely tied to the school’s religious mission, making him exempt from these protections.
The ruling has drawn mixed reactions, with supporters of LGBTQ+ rights expressing disappointment and concern over potential discrimination loopholes, while defenders of religious freedom see it as a victory for the ability of religious institutions to uphold their beliefs.
The case has attracted attention from various groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union, the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, and attorneys general from nearly 20 Democrat-leaning states. The debate over the balance between religious freedom and employment protections is likely to continue as similar cases arise in the future.
