Further Evidence Needed To Rule On Ministerial Exception Defense

In Stabler v. Congregation Emanu-El of the City of New York, (SD NY, July 28, 2017), a New York federal district court refused to dismiss a suit alleging gender, age and disability discrimination brought by the Librarian of a New York synagogue who says that she was subjected to a hostile work environment, unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.  Defendants asserted the "ministerial exception" doctrine as a defense. The court held, however, that development of a further factual record is necessary to determine whether plaintiff performed sufficient religious functions to be considered a ministerial employee.