Lawsuit alleges religious discrimination at Southwest Airlines

The Pacific Justice Institute, a legal nonprofit focusing on religious freedom, said Thursday that it was suing Southwest Airlines over a religious discrimination incident involving a PJI employee. According to the legal group, a Southwest Airlines ticket agent refused to print a boarding pass for one of its staff members, identified in court documents as founder Brad Dacus, after Dacus asked a question about an LGBT pride display at the ticket counter.

The incident allegedly occurred recently at John Wayne Airport in Orange County, Calif. The Southwest Airlines counter at the airport displayed a variety of LGBT-themed decorations, according to PJI. Dacus asked the ticket agent to explain the meaning of the word “Pride” in the display, according to court documents. The legal group characterized the question as polite and respectful.

Following that question, the ticket agent allegedly refused to give the staffer a printed boarding pass. The staffer eventually went elsewhere for help after requesting several times to speak with a supervisor, PJI said. According to court documents, the agent also directed four other agents not to help Dacus. The agent also did not bring a manager to speak with Dacus as he requested. Dacus said he now goes out of his way to avoid the gate when traveling due to the hostile environment.

Is it legal to refuse to issue a boarding pass? The Pacific Justice Institute contends that the ticket agent’s actions violated California law guaranteeing equal accommodations regardless of religious belief. The legal group stated that the lawsuit isn’t attempting to challenge Southwest Airlines’ decision to recognize Pride Month but merely seeks to ensure fair treatment.

Southwest Airlines declined to comment on the pending litigation.

Dig deeper: Read Christina Grube’s report on the Education Department’s response to a survey it said violated parents’ rights.