Two Somalian-American truck drivers employed by the Star Transportation trucking company were recently awarded $240,000 in damages and back pay after they were fired for refusing to deliver alcohol because it was against their religious beliefs. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) brought suit against Star Transportation for violating Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 when they failed to accommodate the two truck drivers whose Muslim beliefs forbid them to either consume or distribute alcoholic beverages. The trial took place in a federal courtroom in Peoria, Illinois where a jury reached their decision in less than one hour of deliberation. Each of the truck drivers was awarded $20,000 in compensatory damages, $1,500 in back wages and $100,000 in punitive damages. EEOC lawyers applauded the jury’s decision, claiming it a victory for religious freedom. Lawyers for the defendants were encouraged by the jury’s decision, claiming it signifies the right to relig
http://www.discrimlaw.net/2015/11/23/philadelphia-employment-discrimination-lawyers-large-award-in-religious-discrimination-suit/
