A Muslim flight attendant has claimed she was suspended by her airline because she refused to serve alcohol to customers for religious reasons.
ExpressJet worker Charee Stanley says her employer took action against her after a colleague complained about her reluctance to sell alcohol on board flights.
Ms Stanley feels that the company has failed to make 'reasonable accommodation' for her religious beliefs, with the case sparking a fierce debate.
She began working for the company three years ago, however after converting to Islam in the last year she began to refuse to sell alcohol to customers.
The worker made an arrangement with her colleagues however, with them selling passengers their drinks if she received an order.
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It was a system which she felt was working well, and Lena Masri, from the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), said: "She began coordinating with the other flight attendant on duty so that when a passenger requested alcohol, the other flight attendant would accommodate that request."
However after coworkers came forward to the company to voice their concerns, Ms Stanley was told by airline bosses last week that she had been suspended.
Mr Masri added: "We notified ExpressJet Airlines of its obligation under the law to reasonably accommodate Ms Stanley's religious beliefs.
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"Instead, ExpressJet close to violate Ms Stanely's constitutional rights, placed her on administrative leave for 12 months, after which her employment may be administratively terminated."
Speaking at a press conference, Ms Stanley said: "I don't think that I should have to choose between practicing my religion properly or earning a living.
"I shouldn't have to choose between one or the other because they're both important."
ExpressJet have declined to comment on the case.
By John Shammas
