Judges Allow Forced Resignation of Lutheran Pastor for "Intrinsically Sinful" Sexual Orientation

A Lutheran pastor and teacher, known as "John FR Doe" sued the Lutheran High School where he taught, for being forced to resign because of his sexual orientation. He lost the law suit and also lost his appeal. The state's Minnesota's Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation, which does not apply to religous organizations such as the Lutheran school. The school leadership considers homosexuality "intrinsically sinful."

According to William Hart, the attorney representing the school, "We all talk about the separation of church and state. This is what it's all about. People don't have the right to challenge church doctrine in court. Otherwise, the state would define what religions could and could not believe."

Dismissal of Gay Lutheran Teacher Upheld