Texas Judge Wins $640,000 Settlement for Religious Freedom Case

A Texas justice of the peace, Judge Dianne Hensley, has been awarded over $640,000 following a legal battle concerning her decision not to officiate same-sex weddings due to her religious beliefs. This case highlights ongoing discussions about religious freedom in the judicial system.

First Liberty Institute, which represented Hensley, announced that a court granted her $10,000 in damages, citing a violation of her religious freedom rights under Texas law. Additionally, the District Court of Travis County ordered the State Commission on Judicial Conduct to cover approximately $630,000 in attorneys’ fees incurred by Hensley.

“It’s a great victory for people of faith. It’s important for people of faith to be able to decline to participate in things that are incompatible with their religious faith,” stated Hiram Sasser, executive general counsel for First Liberty Institute.

Judge Hensley stopped officiating same-sex marriages consistent with her Christian faith and had implemented a referral system. This system ensured that couples could access wedding services from other officiants without incurring extra costs or delays.

Hensley first faced disciplinary warnings from the State Commission on Judicial Conduct in 2018. They cautioned her that avoiding same-sex wedding ceremonies while officiating others could lead to further penalties.

Hiram Sasser explained, “They gave her a warning… if she continued to do any kind of weddings without performing same-sex weddings, they would… take it to the next level.” He emphasized their efforts to uphold Hensley’s right to continue providing public service.

The Texas Supreme Court has since amended the rules to include religious accommodations, and the state legislature is considering reforms to the commission’s structure to prevent similar issues in the future.

Judge Hensley expressed gratitude for the resolution, stating, “All I wanted to do was serve our community and maintain my faith commitments. I am thankful the law prevailed after eight long years.”

The State Commission on Judicial Conduct did not provide a comment on the matter.