A Texas justice of the peace, Judge Dianne Hensley, has been awarded over $640,000 in a religious freedom case. The decision came after she faced discipline for refusing to officiate same-sex weddings due to her religious beliefs. Hiram Sasser, executive general counsel for First Liberty Institute, called the ruling “a great victory for people of faith.” He emphasized the importance of allowing individuals to decline participation in activities conflicting with their religious faith.
On Friday, the First Liberty Institute announced that Hensley would receive $10,000 in damages after a court determined her religious freedom rights were violated under Texas law. The District Court of Travis County also ordered the State Commission on Judicial Conduct to cover approximately $630,000 in attorneys’ fees incurred by Hensley, who was represented by First Liberty Institute and attorney Jonathan F. Mitchell.
“Judge Hensley’s handling of the situation is commendable. She exercised her right to perform marriages selectively and ensured alternative options for those she could not assist,” Sasser remarked.
Hensley established a referral system for people whose weddings she could not officiate, ensuring these couples could access wedding services without extra costs or delays. First Liberty reported that Hensley first encountered opposition from the State Commission on Judicial Conduct in 2018. They warned her against performing any marriages without also officiating same-sex weddings, threatening further punishment if she continued.
Sasser noted recent changes, including amendments by the Texas Supreme Court to accommodate religious beliefs and potential reforms by the state legislature to prevent similar situations in the future. In recent related cases, other professionals faced legal challenges for similar reasons. Notably, a Christian photographer in Louisville defeated a law requiring her to photograph same-sex weddings.
Judge Hensley expressed her relief with the outcome, stating, “All I wanted to do was serve our community while maintaining my faith commitments. I am thankful the law prevailed after eight long years, restoring religious liberty.” The State Commission on Judicial Conduct declined to comment. The case highlights the ongoing balance between religious freedom and anti-discrimination policies in the U.S.
Leave a Reply