Williamson County Commissioners' Pointed Questions Violated Job Applicant's Federal Rights

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, TX — A federal judge has ruled that three county commissioner's violated a job applicant's constitutional rights by asking questions related to religious beliefs during an interview, according to a published report.

On Friday, federal district judge David Ezra ruled that commissioners Lisa Birkman, Cynthia Long and Valerie Covey violated the 14th amendment right to equal protection of Robert Lloyd when he was asked to expound on his views related to abortion, gay marriage and other sensitive topics during a March 2013 job interview, the Austin American-Statesman reported.

Formerly a Round Rock Police Department officer, Lloyd was applying for a constable's position when the commissioners posed the questions. Lloyd filed a suit against the county in June 2013 as a result of the questions, but later withdrew his request for damages during the trial, as reported by the Statesman.

The Round Rock Leader in May first reported the level of expense the county had incurred as a result of the charges — more than $338,000 as of May, later to increase to nearly $400,000, including a $100,000 settlement to two other candidates.

>>> Read the full story at Austin American-Statesman

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