Bus Authority Settles Suit By Driver Fired For Refusing To Take Women To Planned Parenthood

The Austin Statesman reported yesterday that the Austin (TX) Capital Area Rural Transportation System has settled a lawsuit against it by a bus driver who was fired after he refused to transport two women to a Planned Parenthood clinic because he thought he might be taking them to have an abortion. The bus system provides rides on request to rural residents. The driver claims CARTS had an obligation to accommodate his religious beliefs opposing abortion. (See prior posting.) CARTS will pay $21,000 to settle the case. A robust debate on the settlement has been raging on Religionlaw listserv.