Veteran Airman SMSgt. Monk Mirandized In Religious Discrimination Case Against Military

Liberty Institute Attorneys Continue Defense of SMSgt Monk as Military Alleges He Provided False Statements in Religious Discrimination Complaint

SAN ANTONIO, Sept. 6, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- During a meeting last week, Air Force investigators read Liberty Institute's client SMSgt Phillip Monk his Miranda rights, alleging that SMSgt Monk's religious discrimination complaint was false. Monk, a devout Christian, believes the claims are a retaliatory act by his former commander, who relieved Monk of his duties and reassigned him after Monk could not agree with his commander's position regarding same-sex marriage. In the military, making a false official statement is punishable by court-martial.

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"I was stunned and immediately felt that this was a retaliation against me for coming forward with my religious discrimination complaint," said Monk. 

The military prohibits retaliation against service members for filing a complaint against a commanding officer.  The Air Force must now decide whether it will charge SMSgt Monk with the crime of making a false official statement. Liberty Institute vows to continue its defense of SMSgt Monk in his religious freedom case.

Liberty Institute attorney Mike Berry said, "We are hopeful that the Air Force will do the right thing by clearing SMSgt Monk's name and reputation, and supporting his and every Airman's right to express, without fear of punishment, their religious convictions."

About Liberty Institute
Liberty Institute is a national nonprofit legal group dedicated to defending and restoring religious liberty across America — in our schools, for our churches and throughout the public arena. Liberty's vision is to reestablish religious liberty in accordance with the principles of our nation's Founders. For information, visit www.LibertyInstitute.org.

SOURCE Liberty Institute