A Los Angeles Superior Court judge has ruled to hear a lawsuit against ABC after it was accused of unfairly firing two TV crew members who requested exemptions from the coronavirus vaccine on religious grounds. I put it down.
Father-son duo James Wall and Timothy Wall sued ABC in 2021 after they were both fired from the network’s daytime soap opera “General Hospital,” even though they each worked for more than a decade. They ran the construction plant and special effects department for the show, which has been on the air for more than 60 years.
The crew members asked for an exemption from ABC’s mandatory coronavirus vaccinations on religious grounds, but the agency fired them just a week after making the request.
According to their original complaint, ABC “rejected nearly all such requests during 2021” and “did not provide a reason for its decisions” while questioning the sincerity of the couple’s religious beliefs. “These actions were illegal. ABC does not have the authority to compel employees to undergo treatment against their will,” the complaint states.
However, Judge Stephen I. Govich denied ABC’s motion to dismiss the case, stating that “the question of whether plaintiffs should sue must be resolved by a jury, not a judge.” [the Wahls] He had genuine religious beliefs. ”
The judge also questioned whether the Disney-owned network “could have reasonably responded.” [the Wahls] without imposing undue hardship.” variety report.
Additionally, Judge Govich said that despite ABC’s claim that it wasn’t safe for unvaccinated crew members to work on the show, they were never around other people for long periods of time and regularly He also pointed out that he had undergone various tests.
“Defendants argue that Plaintiffs could not be accommodated because they were unable to maintain six feet of distance from others. However, if the record is interpreted in the light most favorable to Plaintiffs, During that time, the plaintiffs wore masks, underwent regular testing, and those they came into contact with were vaccinated. ”
The judge pointed to the fact that the defendant’s own evidence suggested that the company felt the vaccine was highly effective, and questioned whether this actually posed a risk to Worlds’ fellow employees. A question arose.
The ABC maintained that the risk remained because “a highly contagious delta virus was circulating” at the time.
The complaint states that ABC/Disney “ignored” its “policies and procedures” surrounding religious beliefs, which the company previously claimed had gone to great lengths to accommodate people’s beliefs and medical conditions. There is.
A High Court judge set a trial date for March 11, 2024. The case could set a landmark precedent if the Walls are found to have been unfairly fired.
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